Barcelona Transfer News Roundup: Catalans eyeing Colombian ace, Girona want Inaki Pena, and more - November 29, 2024
Barcelona are putting together final preparations ahead of their LaLiga tie against Las Palmas on Saturday, November, 30 at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys. Hansi Flick's team are leading the title race after 14 games, although Real Madrid are breathing down their neck.
Meanwhile, the Catalans have set their sights on a Colombian defender. Elsewhere, Girona are interested in Inaki Pena.
On that note, let's look at the major Barcelona transfer stories from November 29, 2024.
Barcelona eyeing Jhon Lucumi
Barcelona have identified Jhon Lucumi as a possible target for 2025, according to AS. The Catalans are keen to reinforce their backline at the turn of the year and have identified Lucumi as an option.
The Colombian center back has gone from strength to strength since arriving at Bologna in 2022. He is now a first team regular for the Serie A side and has appeared 79 times for Bologna so far
The 26-year-old's performances have also turned heads at the Camp Nou. The LaLiga giants are looking for defensive reinforcements at the moment, amid the uncertainties surrounding the futures of Ronald Araujo and Andreas Christensen. Both players are currently out injured.
The Uruguayan emerged as a target for Bayern Munich and Manchester United in recent times and the European duo could move for the player in 2025. Meanwhile, Christensen's future at Barcelona isn't set in stone either.
Lucumi could be a fine addition to Hansi Flick's squad, but prising him away from Bologna won't be easy. The player is under contract until 2026, and has a €25m release clause in his deal. A move in January could be difficult given the Catalans' poor finances, but a transfer in the summer cannot be ruled out.
Girona want Inaki Pena
Girona are considering a move for Inaki Pena, according to Fichajes. The Spanish custodian has been thrown into the limelight since Marc-Andre ter Stegen's injury in September.
The German goalkeeper is now out for the rest of the season. Barcelona have signed Wojciech Szczesny as his replacement but Pena has been deputizing for Ter Stegen so far.
The 25-year-old has registered six clean sheets from 13 games this season, conceding 12 goals. However, his contract expires in 2026 and the LaLiga giants are yet to initiate talks for a new deal.
The Catalans are already looking for a new goalkeeper, so Pena could be allowed to leave. Girona are eyeing the situation with interest and want to prise him away in 2025.
Catalans make Frenkie de Jong decision
Barcelona have withdrawn their contract renewal offer for Frenkie de Jong, according to MARCA. The Dutchman's contract is due to expire in 2026 and he hasn't agreed to a new deal yet.
The Catalans have already offered him a new contract last year, but the player is yet to respond to their proposal. The LaLiga giants are now worried that the player is plotting to leave Camp Nou as a free agent.
Barcelona have now informed the player's camp that their previous proposal stands expired. The Catalans are no longer prioritizing his renewal and will make a decision on his future at the end of this season. Should contract talks resume, it will be entirely on fresh terms.