Barcelona Transfer News Roundup: Catalans identify Robert Lewandowski successors, Hansi Flick wants Frenkie de Jong stay, and more - December 8, 2024
Barcelona lost ground in the title race following a 2-2 draw against Real Betis in LaLiga on Saturday, December 7. Hansi Flick's team will next face Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League at Signal Iduna Park on Wednesday, December 11.
Meanwhile, the Catalan giants have prepared a shortlist of strikers to replace Robert Lewandowski. Elsewhere, Hansi Flick wants the club to keep hold of Frenkie de Jong.
On that note, let's look at the major Barcelona transfer stories from December 8, 2024.
Barcelona identify Robert Lewandowski's successors
According to Diario AS, Barcelona have prepared a three-man shortlist to replace Robert Lewandowski. The Polish striker has scored 23 goals from 21 games across competitions this season.
However, Lewandowski is already 36 and the club are eager to prepare for the future. They have identified three players who can help in succession plans for the veteran striker.
The first name on the LaLiga giants' wish list is Erling Haaland. The Manchester City striker has established himself as one of the finest No. 9s in the world in recent seasons.
While he would be the perfect fit at Camp Nou, prising him away from the Etihad won't be easy. The 24-year-old reportedly has a €180m release clause in his deal, making him out of Barcelona's budget.
The second name on the list is Viktor Gyokeres, who has gone from strength to strength with Sporting CP. The Swede has a €100m release clause in his deal, but he could be available for €80m next summer.
The final name on Barca's radar is Lille's Jonathan David, whose contract expires at the end of this season. The Canadian has scored 17 goals and set up three more from 23 games across competitions this season. His contract situation makes him an enticing prospect for the LaLiga giants.
Hansi Flick wants Frenkie de Jong stay
According to SPORT, Hansi Flick wants Frenkie de Jong to continue his stay at Barcelona. The Dutch midfielder's contract at Camp Nou expires in 2026 and he hasn't signed a new deal yet.
Recent reports have suggested that the club could be open to his exit next summer. De Jong has struggled to break into Flick's starting XI since returning from injury this season.
However, the German manager firmly has the player in his plans and has asked Barca to do everything possible to keep him at the club. Flick wants to be patient with the Dutchman and is waiting for him to recover to full fitness.
The LaLiga giants, however, may be forced to offload the player next at the end of this season unless he agrees to an extension.
Barca make Eric Garcia decision
Barcelona have decided against Eric Garcia's exit in January, according to journalist Matteo Moretto via Barca Universal.
The Spanish defender is now the fifth-choice center back at Camp Nou and his situation isn't expected to change soon.
It was previously believed that the Catalan giants would cash in on him at the turn of the year to address their financial issues.
However, it now appears that LaLiga giants don't want to risk losing him in the winter transfer window. Instead, Barcelona will only consider a move for the 23-year-old at the end of this season.