Barcelona Transfer News Roundup: Barca join Real Madrid in race to sign Bayern Munich star, Club ready to pay €60 million for Real Betis midfielder and more - 13 February 2022
After strengthening their squad considerably in January, Barcelona are already planning their moves for the summer transfer window.
Barcelona will travel to take on Espanyol on Sunday night. It will be yet another test for their exciting attack, which was given a significant facelift during the winter transfer window. Xavi Hernandez and co. will be looking to keep their top four hopes in tact.
Without further ado, let's take a look at the top stories involving Barcelona from 13 February 2022.
Frenkie De Jong does not want to leave Barcelona
The 2021-22 season hasn't been all that kind on Frenkie De Jong. After impressing in his first couple of campaigns with the Catalans, the Dutchman has been rather lackluster this term. This has led to a lot of speculation over his future, with Xavi Hernandez reportedly preferring youngsters Pedri and Gavi to the 24-year-old.
But according to SPORT, De Jong wants to continue at Barcelona and is unwilling to leave the club. Liverpool and Bayern Munich are reportedly interested in securing his services but De Jong is determined to find success at the Camp Nou.
In 120 appearances for Barcelona, he has scored 11 goals and provided 14 assists.
Frenkie de Jong has decided to stay at Barcelona. The player has offers and hesitated a bit after Koeman's departure, but now he feels comfortable and he's regaining his smile. [sport]
Barcelona to offer €60 million for Nabil Fekir
Nabil Fekir has been one of the stars of the 2021-22 La Liga season. He has scored four goals and provided seven assists in 21 league appearances so far this term for Real Betis. They recently renewed his contract and the Frenchman is now tied to the club until 2026.
As per Sport (via 90Min), Joan Laporta is a big fan of Fekir and is now preparing a €60 million bid for him this summer. However, having tied the 28-year-old down to a new contract, Real Betis do not want to sell him for less than €80 million.
That could be a real stumbling block for Barcelona, whose priority is to sign Erling Haaland in the summer. The Norwegian striker's release clause stands at €70 million.
Nabil Fekir is liked by Laporta. Apparently, Barcelona could be preparing an offer close to €60M to try to sign him, however, Betis are asking for at least €80M.
— @sport https://t.co/vdvxcghtFL
Barcelona join Real Madrid in race to sign Robert Lewandowski
According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, Barcelona have entered the race for Robert Lewandowski. The Polish international is arguably the greatest striker of his generation and has been phenomenal for Bayern Munich since joining them in 2014.
In 359 appearances across all competitions for the Bavarians, Lewandowski has scored 331 goals and provided 68 assists. Despite being 33-years-old, he continues to be one of the most prolific strikers on the planet. He has scored 37 goals in 30 appearances this season.
However, he has entered the final 18 months of his contract with Bayern Munich. The Bavarins are unlikely to extend it since Lewandowski will be almost 35 by the time his current deal expires. So this summer represents Bayern's last chance to cash in on him.
As such, Real Madrid and Barcelona have been alerted to the possibility of signing him this summer. As things stand, the Catalans have a better chance of roping him in as Real Madrid already have Karim Benzema in their ranks.