Barcelona Transfer News Roundup: PSG offer €250m for Catalans ace, Sergino Dest leaves Camp Nou, and more - June 30, 2024
Barcelona are looking to improve their squad as they prepare for a fresh start under new manager Hansi Flick. The German tactician took charge at Camp Nou last month after the Catalans parted ways with Xavi.
Meanwhile, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) are willing to offer a world-record fee for a teenage sensation. Elsewhere, Sergino Dest has completed a permanent move to PSV Eindhoven.
On that note, let's look at the major Barcelona transfer stories from June 30, 2024.
PSG offer €250m for Lamine Yamal
PSG are willing to break the bank for Lamine Yamal this summer, according to Mundo Deportivo. The 16-year-old exploded into the scene at Barcelona in the 2023/24 campaign and captured the imagination of the football world.
Yamal scored seven goals and set up 10 more from 50 appearances across competitions last term. His efforts earned him admirers across the continent and also secured him a place in Spain's squad for Euro 2024.
The Parisians have noted the youngster's rise with interest and are now plotting to prise him away. The Ligue 1 champions are in the market for a new frontman following the departure of Kylian Mbappe.
The French superstar left the Parc des Princes at the end of his contract and joined Real Madrid on a Bosman move. PSG have identified Yamal as the ideal candidate to fill Mbappe's boots at the club.
The report adds that the Parisians previously tried to sign the Spaniard and offered €200m for his services. However, it was turned down by the Catalans. The French giants are now ready to return with a €250m offer, which would eclipse the €222m they paid the La Liga giants in 2017 for Neymar.
Barcelona are in financial distress and are eyeing player sales to solve the issues. As such, a colossal offer could tempt the club to consider a move. The Spaniard is under contract at Camp Nou until 2026 and has a €1bn release clause in his deal.
Sergino Dest leaves Barcelona
Sergino Dest has joined PSV Eindhoven on a permanent deal, the club have confirmed. The American full-back spent the 2023/24 campaign on loan at the Eredivisie side from Barcelona.
Dest was quite impressive for the Dutch club, registering two goals and seven assists from 37 games across competitions. His efforts helped PSV win the league and convinced them to keep him permanently at the Philips Stadium.
The Eredivisie side had a purchase option in their loan deal, but the player tore his ACL late in the season which added uncertainty to his future. However, PSV are convinced that the player can completely recover and thus went ahead with their plans.
The Catalans have reportedly agreed to a free transfer and the player has signed a contract with the Dutch side until 2028.
Ilkay Gundogan's future remains uncertain
Ilkay Gundogan's future at Barcelona remains uncertain, according to The Athletic. The German midfielder joined the La Liga giants on a Bosman move last summer following the expiry of his contract with Manchester City.
Gundogan hit the ground running upon his arrival at Camp Nou and became an integral part of the first team. The 33-year-old registered five goals and 14 assists from 51 games across competitions.
It was previously believed that Hansi Flick's arrival would have no impact on his place in the first-team squad. However, it now appears that the Catalans no longer consider Gundogan as an indispensable member of their setup.
It is unclear how Flick plans to utilize the veteran, with Pedri likely to be preferred in an attacking midfield role in the German manager's 4-2-3-1 system. Gundogan won't be short of options if he leaves, with Galatasaray in hot pursuit of the 33-year-old this summer.