Barcelona Transfer News Roundup: Catalans eyeing LaLiga star, Manchester City want Raphinha, and more - October 24, 2024
Barcelona secured a 4-1 win over Bayern Munich at home on Wednesday (October 23) in the Champions League. A Raphinha hat-trick and a Robert Lewandowski strike helped Hansi Flick's team pick up all three points.
Meanwhile, the Catalans are interested in Sevilla defender Loic Bade. Elsewhere, Manchester City are considering a move for Raphinha.
On that note, let's look at the major Barcelona transfer stories from October 24, 2024.
Barcelona eyeing Loic Bade
Barcelona have set their sights on Loic Bade, according to SPORT. The Catalans are well stocked at the back at the moment, but are preparing for the future.
Inigo Martinez has been a rock alongside Pau Cubarsi in Hansi Flick's backline. However, the veteran defender's contract with the Catalans expires at the end of this season.
He is already in the final phase of his career, so succession plans are in order. Meanwhile, Ronald Araujo and Andreas Christensen remain linked with an exit ahead of 2025, while there's also interest in Jules Kounde.
The LaLiga giants already have their eyes on Bayer Leverkusen's Jonathan Tah, but have also identified Bade as an option. The Frenchman has been outstanding for Sevilla since arriving in the summer of 2023.
This season, the 24-year-old has appeared eight times for the Andalusian club, seven of which were starts. Barcelona are pleased with his efforts and want him at Camp Nou.
However, the player is under contract at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium until 2029 and Sevilla want at least €30m to let him go. Moreover, there's already tremendous competition for his signature.
Manchester City want Raphinha
Manchester City want to bring Raphinha back to the Premier League, according to journalist Rudy Galetti. The Brazilian has turned his career around at Barcelona this season after being heavily linked with an exit this summer.
Raphinha refused to leave and has been in exquisite form for the Catalans this campaign. The 27-year-old now has nine goals and eight assists from 13 games across competitions and has reportedly turned heads at the Etihad.
Despite his glorious rise, the LaLiga giants apparently do not consider him untouchable and could let him go for a proper fee. However, given that Raphinha is one of Hansi Flick's most trusted men, perhaps it is wise to take these reports with a pinch of salt.
Arsenal leading Catalans in race for Jhon Duran
Arsenal are leading Barcelona in the race to sign Jhon Duran, according to Fichajes.net. The Catalans are planning for the future, as Robert Lewandowski is in the final phase of his career.
The Pole has scored 15 goals and provided two assists from 13 games across competitions this season, but will turn 37 next August. The LaLiga giants have identified Duran as a candidate to eventually fill Lewandowski's boots at Camp Nou.
The Colombian has been on fire for Aston Villa this season, registering seven goals from 12 games. His efforts have convinced Barcelona, but Villa's £90m asking price is likely to be a dealbreaker.
It won't be a problem for Arsenal, though, with Mikel Arteta keen to sign an upgrade on Gabriel Jesus. Duran recently signed a new deal at Villa Park until 2030, but that hasn't ended speculation regarding his future.