Barcelona Transfer News Roundup: Catalans end Diogo Costa pursuit, club plan 2025 extension for Spanish ace, and more - October 30, 2024
Barcelona are preparing to face Espanyol at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on Sunday, November 3, in La Liga. Hansi Flick's team have won 10 of their 11 games in the league this season and are at the top of the table.
Meanwhile, the Catalans are no longer eyeing a move for Diogo Costa. Elsewhere, the Spanish giants are planning to tie a Spanish forward down to a new deal in 2025.
On that note, let's look at the major Barcelona transfer stories from October 30, 2024.
Barcelona end Diogo Costa pursuit
Barcelona have pulled the plug on their pursuit of Diogo Costa, according to SPORT. The Catalans have been forced to sign Wojciech Szczesny this month following the unfortunate knee injury to Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
The German custodian is unlikley to play again this season, but Szczesny is only considered a temporary solution for the position. The LaLiga giants are laying down succession plans for Ter Stegen and Costa has popped up on their radar.
The Portuguese has been outstanding for Porto in recent seasons and is among the finest in his position in Europe. This season, Costa has seven clean sheets from 13 games across competitions.
The 25-year-old could be a fine replacement for Marc-Andre ter Stegen, but Barcelona believe his €45m price tag puts him above their budget for now. The Catalans have already informed Jorge Mendes, Costa's agent, about their decision. However, the door isn't entirely closed and a future move cannot be ruled out.
Catalans plan 2025 extension for Lamine Yamal
Barcelona will tie Lamine Yamal down to a new deal in 2025, according to SPORT. The 17-year-old is one of the finest young talents in the world right now and won the Kopa Trophy on Monday at the Ballon d'Or ceremony in Paris.
Yamal registered seven goals and nine assists from 50 games last season for the club. This year, he already has six goals and seven assists from 14 games across competitions.
The Spaniard's contract at Camp Nou expires in 2026, and recent reports have suggested that he is already being eyed by Liverpool and Arsenal. The LaLiga giants remain determined to keep hold of him and have already held talks with his agent Jorge Mendes regarding a new deal.
There's a verbal agreement in place for a new contract until 2030 that will include a significant pay hike. The Catalans will tie him down to the deal as soon as he turns 18 next year.
Barcelona will allow Ansu Fati to leave in January
Barcelona are ready to let Ansu Fati leave at the turn of the year, according to SPORT. The Spanish forward is a forgotten man at Camp Nou and has struggled for chances under Hansi Flick.
Fati has seen his development halted following a series of injuries. Now back fit, he has registered just five appearances across competitions, only one of which was from the start.
The Catalans recently had a chat with the player's agent, Jorge Mendes, and it was decided that the 21-year-old will be allowed to leave in January. Recent reports have suggested that Sevilla want to take him on loan in the winter. The player's contract at Camp Nou runs until 2027.