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Barcelona will look to put their midweek 2-1 defeat to Monaco in their UEFA Champions League opener behind them when they face Villarreal in La Liga on Sunday (September 22). Hansi Flick's team have won all five league games to top the standings.
Meanwhile, the Blaugrana are interested in a Bundesliga striker. Elsewhere, the Spanish giants have set their sights on Marseille striker Mason Greenwood.
On that note, here's a look at the key Barcelona transfer stories as on September 21, 2024:
Barcelona eyeing Benjamin Sesko
Barcelona have identified Benjamin Sesko as a possible alternative to Erling Haaland, according to HITC. The Blaugrana are looking for a new No. 9 to lead the line when Robert Lewandowski eventually slows down.
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Vitor Roque was roped in for the job in January but has failed to live up to expectations. He was sent out on loan to Real Betis this summer and is no longer part of plans at the Camp Nou.
The La Liga giants would ideally like to sign Erling Haaland, but there's expected to be a melee for the Norwegian next year. Barcelona are keeping their options open and have identified Sesko as an alternative.
The Slovenian has enjoyed a spectacular rise with RB Leipzig recently and was a much sought-after man this summer. The 21-year-old turned down a move to Arsenal in favour of signing a new deal at the Red Bull Arena. He has appeared 79 times for the club across competitions, scoring 29 goals and setting up 11.
However, he's likely to take the next step in his career in 2025, and the Blaugrana are planning to bring him to Camp Nou. Scouts from the club apparently wanted him in the game against Atletico Madrid, which Leipzig lost 2-1, with Sesko scoring the only goal for his team.
The Slovenian is under contract with the Bundesliga club till 2029 and is likely to cost a fair fee. Barca are hoping to address their financial issues in the coming months so that they can mount an offensive for the player next summer. However, they are likely to face competition from Arsenal and Chelsea for Sesko.
Blaugrana want Mason Greenwood
Barcelona are among the clubs eyeing a move for Mason Greenwood, according to HITC. The disgraced English winger permanently left Manchester United this summer to join Marseille. He has enjoyed a blistering start to life under Roberto De Zerbi, scoring five times and registering an assist in four games across competitions.
Greenwood spent last season on loan with Getafe in Spain and was a hit, racking up 10 goals and six assists in 36 games across competitions. The Blaugrana are planning to bring him back to La Liga in the future but are likely to face competition from Real Madrid for his services.
The Englishman is versatile enough to operate across the frontline and could be a fine addition to Barcelona's attack. He would also fit in quite well at the Santiago Bernabeu, despite the plethora of forward options at manager Carlo Ancelotti's disposal.
However, given his recent controversial history outside the field, there could be a fan outburst if he ends up at either La Liga duo.
Barcelona battling Manchester United for Ederson
Barcelona have set their sights on Atalanta midfielder Ederson Dos Santos, according to Fichajes. Manchester United and Newcastle United are also monitoring the Brazilian, while Real Madrid are in the race as well.
Ederson has been indispensable for the Serie A side recently and is the kind of profile the Blaugrana lack at the moment. The club are yet to properly replace Sergio Busquets, who left the Camp Nou in the summer of 2023. The La Liga giants now want Ederson to take his place.
However, the 25-year-old won't be short of options if he becomes available in 2025. He could also be tempted to move to the Premier League if he leaves the Gewiss Stadium. The player is under contract with Atalanta till 2027, so he's likely to cost a decent fee, which could work against Barca, who are struggling with their fiancial situation.
