Barcelona Transfer News Roundup: Catalans eyeing Serie A ace, club want Xavi Simons, and more - December 5, 2024
Barcelona are looking ahead to their trip to the Benito Villamarin on Saturday, December 7, to face Real Betis in LaLiga. Hansi Flick's team lead the title race after 16 games, four points ahead of second-placed Real Madrid, who have a game in hand.
Meanwhile, the Catalan giants are interested in a Serie A midfielder. Elsewhere, Barca are planning to bring Xavi Simons back to the club next year.
On that note, let's look at the major Barcelona transfer stories from December 5, 2024.
Barcelona eyeing Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
Barcelona have set their sights on Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, according to Fichajes. The Catalans are looking to reinforce their wide forward positions and Hansi Flick has apparently zeroed in on the Georgian.
Kvaratskhelia has been on a steady rise with Napoli of late. The 23-year-old played a huge role in the Italian club's Serie A triumph in the 2022-23 campaign.
He has continued his good form this season, scoring five goals and setting up three more from 16 games across competitions. The Catalans believe he is the right blend of youth and talent, and are convinced Kvaratskhelia can fit their budget too.
The Georgian is under contract with Napoli until 2027 but could be allowed to leave for €80m next summer. While it is still a steep amount for the LaLiga giants, the fee makes him more affordable than the likes of Rafael Leao.
Barcelona also have Nico Williams on their radar, but there's a massive competition to sign the Spaniard in 2025. Barca, as such, could turn to Kvaratskhelia instead next summer.
Barca want Xavi Simons
According to The Athletic, Barcelona are eyeing a move for Xavi Simons in 2025. The Dutch midfielder was linked with a return to Camp Nou this summer but opted to extend his loan stay with RB Leipzig.
Simons rose through the ranks at La Masia but left before he could break into the first team. He has been with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) since, but his future with the Parisians remains uncertain.
Meanwhile, the 21-year-old's loan deal with the Bundesliga club will expire at the end of this season and he is expected to be on the move again. Barca are planning to secure his services next summer but will face competition for his signature.
Liverpool, Arsenal, and Real Madrid are hot on his heels, while Bayern Munich were apparently willing to offer €90m for Simons this summer. The Dutchman has registered three goals and two assists from 11 games across competitions for Leipzig this season and his contract with PSG runs out in 2027.
Donyell Malen dreams of Camp Nou move
According to journalist Florian Plettenberg, Donyell Malen wants to join Barcelona or Arsenal. The Dutch forward has struggled for consistency since joining Borussia Dortmund in 2021, but his stock remains high.
The Catalan giants are apparently among the clubs eyeing the 25-year-old with interest. With Ferran Torres and Ansu Fati expected to leave in 2025, Malen could be an interesting choice for the LaLiga leaders.
The Dutchman has registered four goals and one assist from 17 games across competitions this season and is under contract with BVB until 2026. However, Dortmund are willing to let him go for €25-30m in the winter. A move, though, could be a gamble for Barcelona given the player's inconsistent performances.