Barcelona Transfer News Roundup: Catalans eyeing Sporting CP ace, PSG want Jules Kounde, and more - November 4, 2024
Barcelona secured a 3-1 win over Espanyol on Sunday (November 3), at home in the Premier League. A Dani Olmo brace and a Raphinha strike ensured that the Catalans continued their spectacular run this season.
Meanwhile, the Spanish giants are interested in a Swedish striker who plays for Sporting CP. Elsewhere, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) have set their sights on Jules Kounde.
On that note, let's look at the major Barcelona transfer stories from November 4, 2024
Barcelona eyeing Viktor Gyokeres
Barcelona are planning a player-plus-cash offer for Viktor Gyokeres, according to SPORT. The Catalans are laying down succession plans for Robert Lewandowski, who is already on the wrong side of 30.
The Polish striker has been outstanding this season, registering 17 goals and two assists from 15 games across competitions. However, Lewandowski will turn 37 next August and the LaLiga giants see Gyokeres as his long-term replacement.
The Swedish striker has been on fire for Sporting CP of late and has 20 goals and four assists from 16 games this season. He is under contract with the Portuguese club until 2028 and reportedly has a €100m release clause in his deal.
However, Sporting CP could let him go for €60-70m. Barcelona are planning to move for him next summer and are ready to include Vitor Roque in their offer to sweeten the deal.
The Portuguese club were willing to offer €30m for the Brazilian this summer, but he only wanted to leave on loan. Vitor Roque is currently on a temporary move to Real Betis and is no longer part of the Catalans' plans.
PSG want Jules Kounde
PSG are ready to offer €100m for Jules Kounde, according to Fichajes. The Frenchman is an integral part of Barcelona's starting XI under Hansi Flick, registering 15 appearances so far this season, including 13 starts.
Kounde has flourished in the right-back role but is naturally a center-back. His versatility makes him invaluable for the Catalans and has also endeared him to the Parisians.
Luis Enrique is blessed with a few talented full-backs, including Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes. However, the Spanish manager is preparing to assemble a defense that can help win titles and dominate European football.
Enrique has identified Kounde as a target and is now ready to prise him away. The 25-year-old is under contract at Camp Nou until 2027, and the LaLiga giants are not looking to let him go. However, PSG are ready to offer a massive fee, which, given Barcelona's poor financial situation, could be enough to convince them.
Premier League trio monitoring Marc Casado
Liverpool, Manchester United, and Newcastle United are all hot on the heels of Marc Casado, according to Fichajes.net. The Spanish midfielder has enjoyed a spectacular rise under Hansi Flick this season and is now one of the first names on the teamsheet.
Casado has appeared 13 times across competitions, including 11 starts, and has set up five goals. His efforts have already endeared him to the Premier League trio, who are all looking for midfield reinforcements.
However, the 21-year-old is under contract till 2028 and Barcelona have no desire to let him go. The Catalans already see him as a possible successor for the legendary Sergio Busquets and will not entertain any offers for the player right now.