Barcelona Transfer News Roundup: Girona eyeing Spanish ace, Frenkie de Jong wants to stay, and more - December 16, 2024
Barcelona suffered a 0-1 defeat at the hands of Leganes on Sunday, December 15, in LaLiga. Hansi Flick's team remain at the top of the league table, tied on points with second-placed Atletico Madrid.
Meanwhile, Girona have set their sights on a Spanish defender. Elsewhere, Frenkie de Jong has no desire to leave the Catalans right now.
On that note, let's look at the major Barcelona transfer stories from December 16, 2024.
Girona eyeing Eric Garcia
Girona are interested in Eric Garcia, according to journalist Matteo Moretto. The Spanish defender is a peripheral figure at Barcelona and the club are reportedly willing to let him go.
Garcia has registered just 12 appearances for the Catalans this season, only five of which were starts. The 23-year-old had a very fruitful loan spell with Girona in the 2023/ 24 campaign and the club are eager to take him back.
With Pau Cubarsi and Inigo Martinez forging a stellar partnership at the back, Garcia's situation at Camp Nou is unlikely to improve. Meanwhile, Ronald Araujo and Andreas Christensen's impending return to action could push Garcia further down the pecking order.
The Spaniard is likely to be open to an exit to get his career back on track. A move to Girona could open up new possibilities and guarantee him regular football.
Recent reports have suggested that Barcelona have already reached an agreement with Jonathan Tah regarding a Bosman move next summer. As such, they could be open to Garcia's permanent exit to raise funds, although a loan deal in January could also be on the cards.
Frenkie de Jong wants to stay at Barcelona
Frenkie de Jong has no desire to leave Barcelona at the moment, according to AS. The Dutchman's future at Camp Nou has been subject to speculation for a while.
De Jong's contract with the Catalans expires in 2026 and he hasn't signed a new deal. The 27-year-old is supposedly one of the highest earners at the club and the LaLiga giants could be open to his departure to address their finances.
Recent reports have suggested that Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), Chelsea, Manchester United, and Bayern Munich are all eyeing the player with interest. However, it now appears that Frenkie de Jong is settled at Barcelona and is not considering an exit.
Catalans worried Ronald Araujo will leave for free
Barcelona are worried that Ronald Araujo will run down his contract and leave for free in 2026, according to Mundo Deportivo. The Uruguayan defender was linked with an exit from Camp Nou earlier this year, but an injury over the summer ended any chances of his departure.
Araujo recently returned to full fitness and was an unused substitute in the last two games for the Catalans. The club consider him an integral part of their plans and are eager to tie him down to an extension.
However, they believe that their message hasn't been relayed to the player so far. The LaLiga giants are worried that Ronald Araujo's camp are advising the 25-year-old to run down his contract. They are now waiting for the player to take the initiative and make a decision on his next move in the coming months.