Barcelona Transfer News Roundup: Catalans want Mohamed Salah, club eyeing Serie A ace, and more - November 15, 2024
Barcelona entered the international break with a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Real Sociedad last weekend. However, Hansi Flick's team remain at the top of the LaLiga table for now, six points ahead of second-placed Real Madrid, who have a game in hand.
Meanwhile, the Catalan giants are keen to see Mohamed Salah at Camp Nou next season. Elsewhere, the Spanish giants are planning a move for a Napoli midfielder in 2025.
On that note, let's look at the major Barcelona transfer stories from November 15, 2024.
Barcelona want Mohamed Salah
Barcelona president Joan Laporta is prioritizing a move for Mohamed Salah next summer, according to Fichajes. The Egyptian forward has been outstanding for Liverpool, registering 221 goals and 99 assists from 366 games across competitions.
However, Salah's contract at Anfield expires in just over six months and he hasn't agreed to an extension yet. The Catalan giants are paying close attention to the 32-year-old's situation and are plotting a Bosman move at the end of this season.
Despite a world of attacking riches at their disposal, Barca believe Mohamed Salah could elevate their frontline. The chance to sign someone of his caliber for free is too hard to turn down. However, Barcelona are likely to face competition from Saudi Arabia for the Egyptian.
Barca eyeing Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
Barcelona are interested in Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, according to Gazzetta dello Sport. The Georgian left-forward has caught the imagination of clubs across Europe after exploding into the scenes at Napoli a couple of seasons ago.
Kvaratskhelia has already registered five goals and two assists from 14 games across competitions this season. Barca are convinced by his efforts and have contacted the player's entourage to discuss a move.
The 23-year-old is under contract with the Serie A side until 2027 and has a €130m release clause. While it complicates matters for the LaLiga giants, the player's desire to move to Camp Nou could work in their favor.
Former director urges patience with Vitor Roque
Former Barcelona sports director Jordi Cruyff wants Vitor Roque to be given more time to find his feet in Spain. The Brazilian arrived at the club in January this year and struggled to impress under Xavi.
Vitor Roque was shipped off to Real Betis on loan this summer, with the player no longer in the Catalans' plans. However, the 19-year-old has since registered five goals from 14 games, sparking talk of a future at Camp Nou.
Speaking recently, as cited by Barca Universal, Cruyff cited Vinicius Junior's example to urge patience with Vitor Roque.
“I’ve said it before very subtly, being a coach here is very complicated. You have to be patient, especially when you start a new project, when a new boy comes from abroad,” said Cruyff.
“I always remember Vinicius’ first years at Madrid. This happens in Barcelona and maybe there wouldn’t be so much patience. Madrid had it and in the end, they have a player who makes a difference,” he continued.
“Sometimes it’s a necessary thing, patience. Look at Raphinha in his first two years, when people criticised him a lot and look at what he is doing now. When it’s a young player, who comes from another continent, you have to be even more patient,” Cruyff added.
Vitor Roque was initially signed as a long-term replacement for Robert Lewandowski.