Barcelona Transfer News Roundup: Catalans want Sporting ace, club end Joshua Kimmich pursuit, and more - November 16, 2024
Barcelona have been very quick off the blocks under Hansi Flick this season. The German manager took charge at Camp Nou this summer and has already propelled them to the top of the league table.
Meanwhile, the Catalans are interested in a Swedish striker who plays for Sporting. Elsewhere, the Spanish giants have ended their quest to sign Joshua Kimmich in 2025.
On that note, let's look at the major Barcelona transfer stories from November 16, 2024.
Barcelona want Viktor Gyokeres
Barcelona have identified Viktor Gyokeres as a possible replacement for Robert Lewandowski, according to SPORT. The Polish striker has shown no signs of slowing down and already has 19 goals from 17 games across competitions this season.
However, Lewandowski will turn 37 next year and the Catalans are eager to lay down succession plans. Gyokeres has subsequently popped up on their radar. The Swedish striker has been in red-hot form for Sporting of late. This season, Gyokeres has registered 23 goals and four from 18 games across competitions.
The player is likely to be available for €60-70 million next summer, although Manchester United are expected to be in the race for his signature as well. However, a move will depend on Lewandowski's future.
The Pole's contract with Barcelona expires at the end of this season. However, his deal will be automatically renewed if he appears for a predetermined number of games for the LaLiga giants.
If Robert Lewandowski fails to hold on to his current form at Camp Nou, a departure cannot be ruled out next summer. In such a case, the Catalans are likely to step up their pursuit of Gyokeres.
Catalans end Joshua Kimmich pursuit
Barcelona have pulled the plug on their pursuit of Joshua Kimmich, according to SPORT. The German midfielder has entered the final year of his contract with Bayern Munich and hasn't agreed a new deal yet.
The Catalans are long-term admirers of Kimmich and view him as the ideal replacement for Sergio Busquets. The LaLiga giants were previously expected to move for the player next summer.
However, the emergence of Marc Bernal and Marc Casado has altered the club's plans. Bernal showed great promise at the start of the season before picking up an ACL injury. In his absence, Casado has taken over the role and has become indispensable under Hansi Flick. Barcelona, as such, want to keep their trust in the Spanish duo to address the defensive position.
Piotr Zielinski confirms summer talks to move to Camp Nou
Piotr Zielinski has confirmed that he had an offer to move to Camp Nou this summer. The Polish midfielder's contract with Napoli expired at the end of last season.
Zielinski went on to join Inter Milan on a Bosman move. However, the 30-year-old had a specific offer from the Catalans as well. Speaking to Kanal Sportowy, Zielinski insisted that he joined the Nerazzurri as he wanted to stay in Italy.
"There were clubs like Liverpool, Arsenal and Atletico Madrid interested in me, and I also received specific requests from Barcelona. However, I love Italy. When I arrived at Napoli I immediately felt very comfortable and for this reason, it would have been difficult for me to move to England,” said Zielinski.
The Polish midfielder has scored two goals from 12 appearances for Inter Milan this season.