Barcelona Transfer News Roundup: Catalans eyeing Premier League ace, club want Andrei Ratiu, and more - November 28, 2024
Barcelona are looking ahead to their upcoming LaLiga game against Las Palmas on Saturday, November 30. Hansi Flick's team are first in the league table with 34 points from 14 games, four points ahead of second-placed Real Madrid, who have a game in hand.
Meanwhile, the Catalan giants are interested in a Swedish striker who plays for Newcastle United. Elsewhere, the Spanish giants have set their sights on Andrei Ratiu.
On that note, let's look at the major Barcelona transfer stories from November 28, 2024.
Barcelona eyeing Alexander Isak
According to SPORT, Barcelona have identified Alexander Isak as a possible alternative to Viktor Gyokeres. Barca are looking for Robert Lewandowski's long-term replacement and have apparently identified Gyokeres as an option.
Gyokeres has been outstanding for Sporting CP this season, scoring 24 goals in 20 games across competitions. However, Manchester United are believed to be the favorites for his services, following Ruben Amorim's move to Old Trafford.
The situation has forced the LaLiga giants to turn to Isak. The 25-year-old has five goals from 12 games across competitions for Newcastle United this season and is highly regarded on the European circuit.
Barcelona believe the Swedish striker's playing style makes him a fine fit into Hansi Flick's attack. They are now ready to make a move to prise him away from St. James' Park.
However, the Magpies remain relaxed about the situation as Isak is under contract until 2028. The Swede is apparently also on Arsenal's radar, so the Catalan giants won't have a free run at the player.
However, the report adds that the LaLiga leaders are willing to make a significant investment to secure Isak's signature.
Barca want Andrei Ratiu
Barcelona are interested in Andrei Ratiu, according to MARCA, but his €25m release clause is a problem. The Catalans are apparently considering a new right-back after Jules Kounde's poor showing against Celta Vigo.
The Frenchman is primarily is central defender but has been operating as a right-back this season. The LaLiga giants want to rope in a specialist for that position, enabling Kounde to return to his preferred role.
Ratiu has been very impressive for Rayo Vallecano this season, registering a goal and an assist each from 11 games. His contract with the club runs until 2028, but Barcelona are confident of lowering his release clause.
They believe that the Madrid club are in urgent need of revenue, which could force them to offload the 26-year-old. However, Villarreal own 50 percent of the Romanian's rights, which could further complicate matters.
Liverpool eyeing Frenkie de Jong
Liverpool have entered the race to sign Frenkie de Jong, according to Fichajes. The Reds are looking to upgrade their options in the middle of the part and are eyeing multiple candidates for the job.
Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi was a target for Arne Slot this summer and remains on the radar. However, it now appears that the Merseyside giants have also identified De Jong as an option.
The Dutchman's contract with Barcelona runs until 2026 and his future remains in the air. The 27-year-old missed the start of the season with an injury and has registered nine appearances across competitions under Hansi Flick so far.
Frenkie de Jong is one of the highest earners at the club, who could cash in on him to address their poor finances.