Barcelona Transfer News Roundup: Nico Williams agreed Camp Nou move, Catalans face Oscar Mingueza competition, and more - October 15, 2024
Barcelona are preparing to host Sevilla at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on Sunday, October 20, in LaLiga. The Catalans are leading the title race this season after nine games, three points ahead of bitter rivals Real Madrid in second place.
Meanwhile, Nico Williams was ready to move to Camp Nou this summer. Elsewhere, the Spanish giants will not have a free run at Oscar Mingueza in 2025.
On that note, let's look at the major Barcelona transfer stories from October 15, 2024.
Nico Williams agreed Camp Nou move this summer
Nico Williams agreed a deal to move to Barcelona this summer, according to journalist Alex Pintanel. The Spanish forward was a priority target for the Catalans this year, but the transfer failed to materialize.
According to Pintanel, the 22-year-old agreed to move to Camp Nou in a video conference in August this year. The meeting was attended by the player, Barcelona president Joan Laporta, club sporting director Deco, and Williams' agent Felix Tainta.
After receiving the green signal, the LaLiga giants were confident of completing a deal. However, the club's slow approach left the player's camp unimpressed and caused the Athletic Bilbao man to change his mind.
The Spaniard remains linked with a move to Camp Nou once again next summer. While the Catalans were hurt by the player's response, they could return for him at the end of this season.
Barcelona face Oscar Mingueza competition
Barcelona will face competition from AS Roma in the race to sign Oscar Mingueza, according to Mundo Deportivo. The former La Masia graduate has earned rave reviews with his efforts for Celta Vigo this season.
Mingueza has appeared eight times already this season and his performances have convinced the Catalans to bring him back in 2025. The LaLiga giants have a 50% sell-on clause in the 25-year-old's deal, which puts them in an advantageous position in the race.
Mingueza reportedly has a €20m release clause in his deal, but Barcelona could secure his services for just €10m next year. However, AS Roma are long-term admirers of the Spaniard and are also looking to sign him in 2025.
Meanwhile, Celta Vigo want to keep hold of the player, whose contract expires in 2026. The Galicia-based club are already preparing to offer the player a new deal to increase his release clause and keep his suitors at bay.
They have also approached the Catalans to buy the player's full rights, but their proposal has been rejected. La Blaugrana have no desire to let go of their advantage as they want Mingueza back in the future.
Catalans locked in three-way battle for Jonathan David
Barcelona are locked in a battle with AC Milan and Arsenal for the services of Jonathan David, according to Mundo Deportivo. The Calatans are keeping an eye out for free agents as they deal with their financial instability.
David has been in red-hot form of late for Lille, registering eight goals and two assists from 13 games this season. However, the Canadian's contract with the Ligue 1 club expires next summer and he hasn't signed a new deal yet.
The LaLiga giants are keeping a close eye on his situation as they lay down succession plans for the ageing Robert Lewandowski. David's availability on a Bosman move in 2025 makes him a lucrative prospect for the LaLiga giants.
However, Barcelona will face severe competition for the 24-year-old next summer. Arsenal and AC Milan are hot on his heels, while the player also has admirers at Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United.