Barcelona Transfer News Roundup: Chelsea star agrees deal with Barca, Joan Laporta hints at pulling out of race to sign Erling Haaland and more - 13 March 2022
Barcelona have been heavily linked with Erling Haaland but a deal has always seemed unlikely due to their financial problems.
Barcelona will host Osasuna tonight at the Camp Nou. The Catalans have showcased good form in recent weeks and are currently fourth in the La Liga table. Despite their financial problems, they are expected to revamp their squad in the upcoming summer transfer window.
Without further ado, let's take a look at the top stories involving Barcelona from 13 March 2022.
Jorge Mendes pushing Joao Felix to join Atletico Madrid
Barcelona were linked with Joao Felix from before he was signed from Benfica by Atletico Madrid in 2019. Felix has since struggled to live up to his potential at Atletico Madrid. He has not been a great fit for Diego Simeone's system and is tipped to leave the club this summer.
As per Goal España, Joao Felix's agent Jorge Mendes is pushing his client to leave the Rojiblancos and join Barcelona. It is further claimed that the super agent tried to engineer a move to the Camp Nou for his client last summer as well.
In 27 appearances across all competitions for Atletico Madrid so far this term, Felix has scored seven goals and provided five assists.
Joan Laporta hints at pulling out of Erling Haaland move
Barcelona's financial problems are well documented. Despite that, they've been heavily linked with Erling Haaland, who is expected to leave Borussia Dortmund at the end of the season. However, Joan Laporta has now hinted that the Catalans might not pursue the Norwegian international.
In an interview with Esport3 (h/t Fabrizio Romano), on being pressed about Barcelona's interest in Haaland, Laporta said:
“Even if we had the best financial situation in the world, we wouldn’t do some deals for the sake of the club. We won’t complete any deal that puts the club at any further risk.”
#FCBBarça president Laporta again on Erling Haaland deal: “We’re working hard and I know the fans are dreaming of some names - but some deals are very difficult”. 🔴 #FCB
“We will not perform any operation that puts the institution in danger, we can’t do it”.
Barcelona reach an agreement with Cesar Azpilicueta
As per SPORT, Barcelona have agreed a three-year deal with Chelsea defender Cesar Azplicueta if he joins them at the end of the season as a free agent. The Spanish defender is now pushing for a move to Barcelona and is hoping that the Blues don't stand in the way.
Chelsea are also currently not allowed to extend contracts or make new signings by the UK government. Barcelona have reportedly already agreed a deal with Chelsea's Andreas Christensen as well.
Antonio Rudiger is another defender who could leave Chelsea at the end of the season due to the sanctions placed on the club in the wake of the Russia-Ukraine war. The sanctions will be in place for as long as Roman Abramovich is the owner of the club.
Antonio Rüdiger, César Azpilicueta and Andreas Christensen are among the players whose contracts Chelsea are unable to renew while Roman Abramovich owns the club 😬 https://t.co/Q002oee8iv