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Barcelona are preparing to upgrade their squad after losing out on the La Liga title last season. The Catalans ended the campaign without silverware and opted to replace Xavi with Hansi Flick.
Meanwhile, Aston Villa have set their sights on Joao Felix. Elsewhere, the Spanish giants are yet to receive a concrete offer for a Brazilian forward this summer.
On that note, let's look at the major Barcelona transfer stories from August 3, 2024.
Aston Villa want Joao Felix
Aston Villa have stepped up their efforts to sign Joao Felix this summer, according to SPORT. The Portuguese spent last season on loan at Barcelona, and they remain ready to take him back. However, the Catalans will only consider a loan deal for Felix this year.
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Atletico Madrid, meanwhile, are eager to offload him on a permanent deal and Villa are interested. The Birmingham-based club are willing to offer Los Rojiblancos close to the €50m they want for the 24-year-old.
They are also willing to make Felix one of the highest-paid players at Villa Park. While the Premier League club cannot match his current €300,000 per-week wages, they are said to be offering him a contract worth €176,618 per week, including bonuses.
Benfica also have their eyes on their former player, but the Portuguese has his heart set on a return to Camp Nou. Barcelona are currently working on securing a move for Dani Olmo, but haven't ruled out a late dive for Felix. However, the Catalan side will only consider a temporary deal.
Barcelona yet to receive offer for Vitor Roque, says Fabrizio Romano
Barcelona are yet to receive any official offer for Vitor Roque this summer, according to acclaimed journalist Fabrizio Romano. The Brazilian forward has struggled to impress since arriving at Camp Nou at the start of this year.
It was previously believed that Hansi Flick would assess the 19-year-old in pre-season before coming to a decision regarding his future. However, Vitor Roque's disappointing performance against Manchester City might have sealed his fate.
The Catalans are now willing to offload him before the start of the new campaign. The La Liga giants are in financial distress and have to rely on player sales to fund their summer business.
In his column for Caught Offside, Romano added that Barcelona want a proper fee to let the Brazilian leave this year.
“Barca have still not received any official bid for Vitor Roque. The only approach was from Al Hilal but the player turned down the initial approach. Let’s see if they will return,” wrote Romano.
He continued:
“For Barça, his exit could only be possible if they get almost same transfer fee as they invested to sign him from Athletico Paranaense, around €30m plus €31m in add-ons.”
Roque was initially brought in to be Robert Lewandowski's replacement but hasn't lived up to expectations.
Marc Andre Ter Stegen advises Lamine Yamal to stay grounded
Marc Andre Ter Stegen wants Lamine Yamal to keep his feet on the ground and work hard to realize his potential. The Spanish youngster has enjoyed a meteoric rise in the world of football in recent times.
He exploded onto the scene at Barcelona last season, registering seven goals and nine assists from 37 games across competitions. His performances saw him being labeled as Lionel Messi's heir at Camp Nou.
Yamal took his game to another level with La Roja at Euro 2024, helping them win the trophy. There's already huge interest in his services, but the 17-year-old remains settled with the Catalans. The La Liga giants also have him firmly in their plans.
Speaking to ESPN, Ter Stegen credited former Barcelona manager Xavi for unearthing Yamal.
"We have to give credit to [former head coach] Xavi, who is the one who gave him the opportunity. There's something special about him," said Ter Stegen.
He continued:
"I hope he keeps his feet on the ground, that he doesn't listen to the praise and thinks about the moment, that he continues to work for the team. He still has room for improvement, he is very young, he is just starting. He has also grown physically. Lamine knows that he can count on me for anything he needs."
Yamal's contract runs until 2026 and recent reports have suggested that the Catalans are already working on a renewal.
