"I told my fans that I would not sell anyone" - Club director confirms Barcelona's interest in 22-year-old attacker
Hull City owner Acun Ilicali has confirmed that Barcelona are interested in signing their winger Jaden Philogene this summer. The news comes amid the Blaugrana's search for a wide player, particularly to play on the left-hand side.
Up until this point, the Catalan side have been linked with the likes of Nico Williams and Luis Diaz. However, the club's financial constraints has them assessing cheaper and more accessible options like the aforementioned Englishman.
Speaking to talkSPORT about the Spanish giants' interest in Philogene, Ilicali told talkSPORT recently (via Barca Universal):
"Yes, it's all true. But I told my fans that I would not sell anyone. My idea in football is not to make money, my idea is to make a stronger and bigger club. But sometimes to make a bigger club if a player says 'I want to leave', it's a different case."
He added:
"A player change is not the end of the world. But I would not like to slow down careers or make moves for my players because of a contract.
"So, in that case, if Jaden wants to move and he says he wants to go somewhere, this is something we can't do much about."
The attacker is contracted with Hull City till the summer of 2026 and is expected to cost around €20 million. There is other interest to fend off as far as Barcelona are concerned, with Everton and West Ham also said to be looking at the player.
However, a move to Camp Nou would be the biggest step in Philogene's career, and without a sure-shot starter on the left wing, he could make the position his own. Last season, he made 32 appearances in the Championship, bagging 12 goals and six assists.
Chelsea have edge over Barcelona in race for Spain winger - Reports
Barcelona are also in pursuit of a deal for Athletic Club winger Nico Williams in the summer. However, SPORT now claims that Premier League side Chelsea are leading the race (via CaughtOffSide).
Moreover, transfer expect Fabrizio Romano has also clarified that it would be complicated for the Catalans to finalize a move for the Spain international. He's contracted with his current employers till the summer of 2027 and is seen as a top talent in his nation.
Williams is a key member of Spain's Euro 2024 team, having bagged a goal and an assist in the competition so far. He made 37 appearances across competitions for Athletic Club last season, bagging eight goals and 19 assists.