Barcelona Transfer News Roundup: Catalans eyeing Serie A ace, club ready to offload Andreas Christensen, and more - December 14, 2024
Barcelona are putting together final preparations ahead of their home game against Leganes on Sunday, December 15, in LaLiga. Hansi Flick's team are leading the title race after 17 games, but Real Madrid are two points behind with a game in hand.
Meanwhile, the Catalans have set their sights on a Serie A striker. Elsewhere, the Spanish giants are ready to sell Andreas Christensen in January.
On that note, let's look at the major Barcelona transfer stories from December 14, 2024.
Barcelona eyeing Marcus Thuram
Barcelona are locked in a battle with Real Madrid and Liverpool for the services of Marcus Thuram, according to Fichajes.net (via Barca Universal). The Catalans had the chance to sign the French striker in the summer of 2023, when he was available as a free agent.
However, they opted against a move and Thuram joined Inter Milan instead. He has been outstanding for the Nerazzurri so far and has forced clubs across the continent to take note.
The 27-year-old has scored 11 goals and set up six more from 19 games for Simone Inzaghi's side this season. The LaLiga giants are now planning to bring him back to Camp Nou next year.
The Frenchman spent some time at La Masia during his formative years, but left before he could break into the first team. Barcelona are looking for Robert Lewandowski's long-term replacement and Thuram has emerged as an option.
The Frenchman's contract with Inter Milan runs until 2028, and he reportedly has a €85m release clause in his deal. That could further complicate matters for the Catalans, who are yet to overcome their financial woes.
Catalans ready to offload Andreas Christensen
Barcelona are ready to cash in on Andreas Christensen, according to journalist Rudy Galetti (via Barca Universal). The Danish defender recently returned to first-team training after a long layoff due to injury.
However, the Catalans are planning to offload him in January to help register Dani Olmo. The Spanish midfielder was roped in this summer but could only be registered until December 31 due to the club's poor finances.
Christensen is no longer a guaranteed starter under Hansi Flick, with Pau Cubarsi and Inigo Martinez forging a rock-solid partnership at the back. With Ronald Araujo close to full fitness and the LaLiga giants also eyeing Jonathan Tah in 2025, the Dane has been deemed surplus to requirements.
Christensen is not short of options though, and is apparently wanted in Serie A as well as the Premier League. Barcelona will reportedly let him go for €30m in the winter.
Alvaro Carreras wanted at Camp Nou
Barcelona are keeping a close eye on Alvaro Carreras, according to A BOLA, as per SPORT (via Barca Universal). The Catalans have an established left-back in Alejandro Balde, but are looking to add more cover for the postiion.
Carreras has been identified as a candidate for the job, thanks to his impressive form with Benfica. The 21-year-old has registered two goals and two assists from 21 games across competitions this season.
Carreras is apparently wanted by Real Madrid and Manchester United as well. The Spaniard is under contract with Benfica until 2029 and is likely to cost a hefty fee.