Barcelona Transfer News Roundup: Catalans suffer Erling Haaland blow, club want €50m for Frenkie de Jong, and more - November 25, 2024
Barcelona are putting together final preparations ahead of the Champions League game against Stade Brestois on Tuesday, November 26, at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys. Hansi Flick's team arrive at the game on the back of a 2-2 draw against Celta Vigo over the weekend.
Meanwhile, the LaLiga giants have suffered a setback in their efforts to sign Erling Haaland. Elsewhere, the Catalans are ready to cash in on Frenkie de Jong in 2025.
On that note, let's look at the major Barcelona transfer stories from November 25, 2024.
Barcelona suffer Erling Haaland blow
Erling Haaland is close to extending his stay with Manchester City, according to MARCA. The Norwegian striker has been outstanding for the Cityzens since arriving at the Etihad in 2022.
Haaland has now scored 105 goals from 115 games for Pep Guardiola's team, firmly establishing himself as one of the finest strikers in the world. The 24-year-old's efforts have earned him admirers at club across Europe, including Barcelona.
The Catalans are laying down succession plans for Robert Lewandowski, who will turn 37 next August. While the Pole has shown no signs of slowing down, the LaLiga giants want to ensure a smooth transition when he leaves.
Haaland has been identified as the ideal candidate for the role. However, Manchester City are already engaged in talks to tie him down to a new deal.
Discussions have progressed well and the Norwegian is expected to sign across the dotted line by the end of this year. Haaland currently earns €400,000 per week, but the new deal will take his earnings to €120m over a space of four years. The developments will be a huge blow to Barcelona's plans and the Catalans will now have to turn to alternate targets.
Catalans want €50m for Frenkie de Jong
Barcelona are ready to cash in on Frenkie de Jong in 2025, according to Fichajes.net. The Dutch midfielder's contract with the Catalans expires in 2026 and he hasn't signed a new deal yet.
While De Jong remains integral to the club's plans, they are willing to offload him to address their finances. The 27-year-old is highly rated across the European circuit and won't be short of options if he decides to leave.
Barcelona are willing to let the player go for just €50m in 2025. The move, if it comes to fruition, will allow the Catalans to invest in other areas of the pitch.
The Dutchman would prefer to continue his stay at Camp Nou, but is apparently open to a new adventure as well. He recently returned from an ankle injury and has appeared eight times across competitions under Hansi Flick.
Saudi Arabian duo want Ansu Fati
Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal are interested in Ansu Fati, according to Fichajes.net. The Barcelona forward has struggled with fitness issues throughout his career and is currently sidelined with a muscle injury.
Still only 22, Fati could be at the end of his time at Camp Nou, with the club reportedly running out of patience. There's no dearth of attacking talent available to the Catalans and the Spaniard is no longer indispensable.
The Saudi duo are ready to offer him a chance to get his career back on track and are already preparing an offer for the player. Recent reports have suggested that Sevilla also have their eyes on the Spaniard. However, the Andalusian club may not be able to match the financial might of the Middle Eastern clubs.