Barcelona Transfer News Roundup: Catalans suffer Alexander Isak blow, Bayern Munich wanted Raphinha, and more - October 26, 2024
Barcelona travel to the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday, October 26, for the season's first El Clasico against Real Madrid in LaLiga. Hansi Flick's team are currently atop the league standings with 27 points from 10 games, three ahead of second-placed Los Blancos.
Meanwhile, the Catalan giants have suffered a setback in their efforts to sign Alexander Isak. Elsewhere, Bayern Munich wanted Raphinha before he moved to Camp Nou.
On that note, let's look at the major Barcelona transfer stories from October 26, 2024.
Barcelona suffer Alexander Isak blow
Alexander Isak has no desire to leave Newcastle United at the moment, according to iSport. The Swedish striker has gone from strength to strength with the Magpies of late and has turned heads at Barcelona.
Barca are looking for Robert Lewandowski's successor, with the veteran striker already in the fag end of his career. While he has registered 15 goals from 13 games across competitions this season, Lewandowski will turn 37 next August.
The LaLiga giants have identified Isak among the candidates to replace the Pole. Last season, the Swede scored 25 goals from 40 games across competitions for Newcastle, establishing himself as a first-team regular under Eddie Howe.
While he hasn't hit those heights yet this campaign, Isak remains highly regarded at St. James' Park. Newcastle United are already planning to tie the 25-year-old down to a new deal, which will be a big blow to Barcelona's plans.
The Catalan giants also have their eyes on Jhon Duran for the job. However, prising the Colombian away from Aston Villa won't be easy either, with Arsenal also hot on his heels.
Bayern Munich wanted Raphinha
Bayern Munich wanted to sign Raphinha in 2022, according to Mundo Deportivo. The Bavarians were looking for a new winger in January that year amid concerns regarding Kingsley Coman's future.
The Bundesliga giants reportedly reached a €50m agreement with the Brazilian, who was on fire for Leeds United that season. However, Coman went on to sign a new contract and the move for Raphinha was shelved.
Barcelona came calling in the summer and secured his services ahead of the competition. The 27-year-old has been outstanding this year, registering nine goals and eight assists from 13 games across competitions.
Raphinha has rediscovered his mojo under Hansi Flick. The Catalans are pleased with his efforts and recent reports have suggested that a renewal could be on the cards.
Lamine Yamal wants Camp Nou stay
Lamine Yamal wants to spend his entire career at Barcelona. The Spanish youngster exploded into the scenes last season, registering seven goals and nine assists from 50 games across competitions.
The 17-year-old also played a big role in La Roja's Euro 2024 triumph over the summer. Recent reports have suggested that the Catalans turned down a mammoth offer from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) this year for their star man.
Speaking to La Liga World, Yamal expressed his desire to become a Camp Nou legend.
“I would like to be remembered in Barça’s history as a legend. Thanks to Barcelona, I am who I am. They’ve given me everything. (I want to) be at Barça my whole life,” said Yamal
The Spaniard has continued his form under Hansi Flick this season, registering five goals and seven assists from 13 games.