Barcelona Transfer News Roundup: Catalans eyeing PSG ace, Hansi Flick sanctions Ansu Fati exit, and more - December 20, 2024
Barcelona are putting together final preparations for their upcoming LaLiga tie against Atletico Madrid on Saturday, December 21. Hansi Flick's team are currently leading the title race after 18 games, tied on points with Los Rojiblancos, who have a game in hand.
Meanwhile, the Catalans are interested in a Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) forward. Elsewhere, Flick is willing to let Ansu Fati leave in January.
On that note, let's look at the major Barcelona transfer stories from December 20, 2024.
Barcelona eyeing Randal Kolo Muani
Barcelona have set their sights on Randal Kolo Muani, according to Fichajes.net. The Catalans are looking for a long-term replacement for Robert Lewandowski.
The Polish striker has been on fire this season, but the club lack an able backup for the position in their squad at the moment. Youngster Pau Victor hasn't managed to convince off the bench and the LaLiga giants want to address the position in January.
Kolo Muani has apparently emerged as an option for the Camp Nou hierarchy. The French striker is no longer a first team regular at PSG and is looking to leave in search of regular football.
The 26-year-old registered just two goals and one assist from 14 games across competitions this season, only two of which have been starts. Despite his recent struggles, Barcelona are convinced that the player can be a hit at the club. The Parisians are apparently willing to let him go in 2025.
Hansi Flick sanctions Ansu Fati exit
Hansi Flick has approved Ansu Fati's departure from Camp Nou, according to Fichajes.net. The Spanish forward has struggled with injuries of late and is a forgotten man at Barcelona.
He was once hailed as Lionel Messi's heir at the club and also handed the Argentinean's coveted No. 10 jersey. However, it is safe to say that Fati's career hasn't panned out as expected.
Still only 22, the player could turn things around, but it is unlikely to happen with the Catalans. Fati has registered just seven appearances under Hansi Flick this season, only one of which was from the start. The German manager has now lost patience with the Spaniard and is ready to let him go.
Maghnes Akliouche wants Camp Nou move
Maghnes Akliouche has previously admitted that he would like to play for Barcelona. The French forward has caught the eye with Monaco this season, registering four goals and five assists from 21 games across competitions.
Interestingly, Akliouche scored in the 2-1 win over the Catalans in Champions League Matchday one, which remains the LaLiga giants' only defeat in the tournament this season.
Following his recent rise, an old video has surfaced where he opened up on his admiration for Barcelona. While it is unclear if the Catalans have him in their plans, they could still be encouraged by the player's words.
As cited by Barca Universal, Akliouche expressed a desire to move to Camp Nou in the video.
“As well as playing for Monaco, I would like to play for Barca,” said Akliouche.
Akliouche's contract with the Ligue 1 giants expires in 2028, so prising him away won't be easy.