Barcelona Transfer News Roundup: Man City end Frenkie de Jong chase, Catalans eyeing Premier League trio, and more - November 12, 2024
Barcelona have enjoyed a spectacular rise under Hansi Flick this season. The German manager took charge at Camp Nou this summer and has already taken the team to the top of the league table.
Meanwhile, Manchester City have ended their pursuit of Frenkie de Jong. Elsewhere, the Catalan giants are among the clubs eyeing three Premier League footballers.
On that note, let's look at the major Barcelona transfer stories from November 12, 2024.
Manchester City end Frenkie de Jong chase
Manchester City have pulled the plug on their pursuit of Frenkie de Jong, according to Football 365. Pep Guardiola is looking for a new midfielder following Rodri's unfortunate injury.
Recent reports suggested they had their eyes on De Jong to sort the issue in January. The Dutchman's future at Barcelona remains in the air, with his contract set to expire in 2026.
According to reports, Barca have already offered him a renewal proposal with reduced wages but the player has yet to respond. The LaLiga giants are now worried that the 27-year-old is stalling a renewal as he plans to leave for free in 2026.
Barcelona will apparently consider his exit next summer if he fails to sign an extension, amid interest from the Premier League. However, it now appears City have abandoned their pursuit of the Dutch midfielder.
The English champions are unimpressed by the player's recent performances. Guardiola has identified Inter Milan's Hakan Calhanoglu as a more suitable replacement.
De Jong has appeared seven times across competitions this season as he works his way back from an ankle injury.
Barcelona eyeing Premier League trio
Barcelona sent scouts to watch Alexander Isak, Bruno Guimaraes, and Murillo during Newcastle United's 3-1 win over Nottingham Forest over the weekend, as per TBR Football. Real Madrid also monitored the three players during the game.
Barca are planning to reinforce their squad in 2025 and want to strengthen multiple positions. A new defender is on their agenda amid the uncertainties surrounding the futures of Ronald Araujo and Andreas Christensen.
Murillo has been outstanding for Forest and has been identified as an option. The LaLiga giants are also eyeing Alexander Isak, possibly as a long-term replacement for Robert Lewandowski.
Newcastle United are apparently struggling to renew the Swede's deal due to the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules. That could open up the door for Barcelona to take advantage.
Meanwhile, Barcelona haven't forgotten about Guimaraes either, with the Brazilian a long-term target at Camp Nou.
Lamine Yamal sidelined for 2-3 weeks
Barcelona have confirmed that Lamine Yamal will be sidelined for two to three weeks due to a grade 1 syndesmosis injury in his right ankle. The 17-year-old forward picked up the injury during Barca's 5-2 win over Crvena Zvezda in the Champions League last week.
Yamal missed Sunday's (November 10) 1-0 defeat at the hands of Real Sociedad and it now appears that he could be out for a while. He will not travel with the Spain squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League games.
The teenager has been outstanding for the LaLiga giants this season, registering six goals and eight assists from 16 games across competitions.