Barcelona Transfer News Roundup: Napoli ace wants Camp Nou move, Manchester United end Ronald Araujo chase, and more - July 2, 2024
Barcelona finished second in the La Liga under Xavi last season and subsequently parted ways with the Spanish manager. Hansi Flick was appointed as his replacement at the end of May.
Meanwhile, a Napoli midfielder is ready to join the Catalans this summer. Elsewhere, Manchester United have ended their pursuit of Ronald Araujo.
On that note, let's look at the major Barcelona transfer stories from July 2, 2024.
Stanislav Lobotka wants Barcelona move
Stanislav Lobotka has confirmed that he is willing to join Barcelona this summer. The Slovakian midfielder was heavily linked with a move to the club earlier this year, but those rumours have dried up of late.
The 29-year-old enjoyed an impressive 2023/24 campaign with Napoli, registering 49 appearances across competitions. The Catalans remain in the market for a pivot midfielder and Lobotka could be an option.
Speaking recently, as cited by Mundo Deportivo, the Slovakian professed his admiration for the La Liga giants.
“I would like to play for a top club, but now I’m at Napoli, I have a contract, I have an ‘Italian family’ there. If I had an offer from a top club I would accept it, but it wouldn’t be a problem to stay. Barcelona? I followed them when I was a kid, with Deco and Ronaldinho. If an offer came in I would like to go there,” said Lobotka
Lobotka's agent Branislav Jarusek previously stated that the player reached an agreement to move to Camp Nou, but things were on hold following Xavi's departure.
Manchester United end Ronald Araujo chase
Manchester United have pulled the plug on their pursuit of Ronald Araujo, according to Football Espana. The Red Devils are looking for a new defender this summer and are long-term admirers of the Uruguayan.
Barcelona are working to tie Araujo down to a new deal but his future remains up in the air. The 25-year-old also has admirers at Bayern Munich, who failed in an attempt to prise him away in January.
The Bavarians were expected to battle it out with Manchester United for Araujo's signature this year. However, the Premier League giants have now exited the race and will consider alternate options. It appears that Matthijs de Ligt is Erik ten Hag's preferred option for the position at the moment.
Daniel Munoz eager to join Catalans
Daniel Munoz has revealed that he dreams of joining Barcelona. The Colombian right-back has caught the eye at Copa America 2024, scoring one goal in his two appearances so far.
Munoz joined Crystal Palace in January this year and has excelled at Selhurst Park. The 28-year-old appeared 16 times across competitions for the Eagles, registering four assists.
The Catalans are already in the market for a new right-back and are also seeking a permanent stay for Joao Cancelo. However, reaching an agreement with Manchester City could be tough so the club are looking for alternatives. Munoz could be a fine option for Hansi Flick to consider.
Speaking in a recent interview, as cited by SPORT, the Colombian said that he idolizes Ronaldinho and Davi Alves.
“To be able to play for Barcelona (is my lifelong dream). As a child, my idol was always Ronaldinho when he played for Barcelona. In the lower divisions, I never played as a full-back, I was always a winger and I looked at players who were dynamic,” said Munoz.
He continued:
“When I started playing full-back, I looked at Dani Alves, his movements, how he went forward and defended, so in my position, he became an idol too,”
Munoz is under contract with Palace until 2027.