Barcelona Transfer News Roundup: Catalans eyeing English ace, club plan Inaki Pena renewal, and more - December 13, 2024
Barcelona are preparing for their upcoming LaLiga game against Leganes on Sunday, December 15, at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys. Hansi Flick's team are currently leading the league title race, but with Real Madrid breathing down their neck.
Meanwhile, the Catalans have set their sights on an English forward who plays for Manchester United. Elsewhere, the Spanish giants are planning to hand Inaki Pena a new deal.
On that note, let's look at the major Barcelona transfer stories from December 13, 2024.
Barcelona eyeing Marcus Rashford
Barcelona are planning to move for Marcus Rashford in 2025, according to GIVEMESPORT. The Englishman has divided opinion among Manchester United fans for years now, and his future remains uncertain.
The Red Devils are heading towards a new direction under Ruben Amorim, who took charge at Old Trafford last month. Rashford's suitability under the Portuguese head coach's 3-4-3 system remains a subject of debate.
The Catalans are keeping a close eye on the situation as they look to add more firepower to their attack. The 27-year-old is a long-term target for the LaLiga giants and is apparently wanted at Paris Saint-Gemain (PSG) and Bayern Munich as well.
Despite Rashford's recent poor form, Barcelona believe that he could add value to their squad. The player has registered 138 goals and 68 assists from 426 games across competitions for Manchester United.
Unless the Englishman gets his act together between now and the end of the season, he could be sold next summer. The Catalans could also opt to prise him away if he becomes available in the winter. The Red Devils are likely to demand £40m for the player in 2025.
Catalans plan Inaki Pena renewal
Barcelona are planning to hand Inaki Pena a new deal, according to Mundo Deportivo. The Spanish custodian has stepped up this season since Marc-Andre ter Stegen's knee injury.
The German custodian is ruled out for the rest of the campaign and the Catalans have signed Wojciech Szczesny as his replacement. However, Pena has kept the Polish goalkeeper on the bench with a series of impressive performances.
The 25-year-old has registered six clean sheets from 17 games across competitions so far. The LaLiga giants are pleased with his efforts and are already planning to reward him with an improved deal.
Pena's contract with Barcelona runs until 2026 and he is already attracting attention from clubs across the continent. However, the Catalans want him to stay.
Borussia Dortmund enter race for Frenkie de Jong
Borussia Dortmund are planning a move for Frenkie de Jong, according to Fichajes. The Dutch midfielder has been an enigma for Barcelona of late and is no longer performing to the best of his capabilities.
De Jong recently returned from an injury and is not a first-team regular under Hansi Flick. He is also among the highest earners at Camp Nou and the club are considering his departure to ease their financial burden.
The 27-year-old was initially a key figure at the club following his arrival from Ajax in 2019. However, he has struggled with injuries of late and his contract expires at the end of next season. The Catalans' recent efforts of tying him down to a new deal have reportedly fallen into deaf ears and they are now determined not to lose him for free.