Barcelona Transfer News Roundup: German ace wants Catalans move, club suffer Nico Williams blow, and more - December 7, 2024
Barcelona could only manage a 2-2 draw against Real Betis at the Benito Villamarin on Saturday, December 7, in LaLiga. Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres found the back of the net for Hansi Flick's team.
Meanwhile, a German defender is ready to move to the Camp Nou. Elsewhere, the Catalans have suffered a setback in their efforts to sign Nico Williams.
On that note, let's look at the major Barcelona transfer stories from December 7, 2024.
Jonathan Tah wants Barcelona move
Jonathan Tah is ready to join Barcelona, according to journalist Carlos Monfort. The German defender's contract with Bayer Leverkusen will expire at the end of this season and he is all set to leave the BayArena next summer.
Tah's contract situation has alerted clubs across the continent, including the Catalans. Hansi Flick is looking to add more steel to his backline amid the uncertainty surrounding the futures of Ronald Araujo and Andreas Christensen.
The chance to sign a player of Tah's calibre for free next summer is too hard to turn down for the LaLiga giants. As such, Barcelona sporting director Deco traveled to Germany earlier this week to have a chat with the player's representatives.
Deco outlined the club's plans to Tah and has apparently managed to convince the player. The Catalans are now confident of a move and are reportedly getting the paperwork ready for a transfer next summer. While a final agreement is pending, the LaLiga giants remain optimistic that they can win this race.
Catalans suffer Nico Williams blow
Manchester City are considering a move for Nico Williams at Rodri's behest, according to The Metro (via Caught Offside). The Spanish forward is one of the most dangerous attackers in European football at the moment.
Williams helped Athletic Bilbao win the Copa del Rey last season and powered Spain to Euro 2024 over the summer. Barcelona were very eager to secure his signature earlier this year but failed to get a deal across the line.
They are likely to be in the mix for his services next year as well. However, Manchester City's interest could spell trouble for the Catalans. The LaLiga side do not have the finances to compete with the Premier League giants.
Liverpool eyeing Frenkie de Jong
Liverpool are eyeing a move for Frenkie de Jong, according to Fichajes. The Premier League giants are considering midfield reinforcements ahead of next year.
Real Madrid are apparently eyeing a move for Ryan Gravenberch in the summer of 2025. While the Reds would ideally like to keep hold of the Dutchman, they have already identified his countryman as the player's replacement.
De Jong's contract with Barcelona expires in 2026, and all efforts to tie him down to a new deal have been futile so far. Recent reports have suggested that the Catalans could be open to his departure at the moment. The 27-year-old is one of the highest earners at Camp Nou and his departure could help the club address their faltering finances.