Barcelona Transfer News Roundup: Catalans cannot afford Sporting ace in 2025, Real Sociedad want Pablo Torre, and more - November 22, 2024
Barcelona are putting together final preparations ahead of their league game against Celta Vigo on Saturday, November 23, at the Balaidos. Hansi Flick's team are leading the title race after 13 games this season.
Meanwhile, the Catalans won't be able to script a move for a Sporting forward next year. Elsewhere, Real Sociedad have set their sights on Pablo Torre.
On that note, let's look at the major Barcelona transfer stories from November 22, 2024.
Barcelona cannot afford Viktor Gyokeres in 2025
Barcelona won't be able to finance a move for Viktor Gyokeres in 2025, according to SPORT. The Swedish forward is hot property in the European circuit following his exploits with Sporting.
Last season, Gyokeres registered 43 goals and 15 assists from 50 games across competitions. He has already racked up 23 goals and four assists from 18 games this campaign.
The Catalans are laying down succession plans for Robert Lewandowski and have identified Gyokeres as an option. However, the player is under contract with the Portuguese club until 2028 and is likely to cost €100m next year.
The LaLiga giants are still under financial difficulties and cannot afford to pay such a huge fee. Barcelona will also face competition from Manchester United for the player's services.
Former Sporting manager Ruben Amorim has already taken charge as the Red Devils' new head coach. Gyokeres played some of the best football of his career under the Portuguese manager and could be open to a reunion in 2025.
Real Sociedad want Pablo Torre
Real Sociedad are interested in Pablo Torre, according to Fichajes. The 21-year-old has struggled for game time with Barcelona of late and could be on his way out next year.
Torre is highly rated at the club, but the intense competition for places under Hansi Flick has seen him appear just six times this season. However, he has already racked up three goals and one assist so far.
Sociedad are pleased with his efforts and believe he could be the ideal replacement for Martin Zubimendi at the Reale Arena. The 25-year-old is a wanted man at the moment and could finally leave the San Sebastian side in 2025.
If Zubimendi departs the club, Sociedad want Torre to take his place. Torre's contract expires in 2026 and he could be available for a modest fee next summer.
Catalans not working on Inaki Pena renewal
Barcelona are not working to extend Inaki Pena's stay at Camp Nou, according to Mundo Deportivo. The Spanish goalkeeper has stepped up following Marc-Andre ter Stegen's injury in September this year.
The German goalkeeper isn't expected to return to action again this season, and the Catalans have already signed Wojciech Szczesny as his replacement. However, Pena has done admirably between the sticks and has looked completely at home in Hansi Flick's setup.
The 25-year-old has registered five clean sheets from 11 games this season for the LaLiga giants. His efforts have sparked talk of a possible contract renewal at Camp Nou, with his deal set to expire in 2026. However, Barcelona want to assess his performances for the rest of the season before taking a decision regarding the matter.