Barcelona Transfer News Roundup: Blaugrana eyeing Marco Verratti; club plan Robert Lewandowski exit, and more - April 27, 2024

Barcelona are looking ahead to their La Liga game against Valencia on Monday, April 29, at the Estadi Olympic Lluis Companys. Xavi's men are 14 points behind leaders Real Madrid, albeit with a game in hand.

Meanwhile, the Blaugrana are interested in bringing former PSG midifelder Marco Verratti to the Camp Nou. Elsewhere, the reigning Spanish champions are planning to offload striker Robert Lewandowski this summer.

On that note, here's a look at the key Barcelona transfer stories as on April 27, 2024:

---

Barcelona eyeing Marco Verratti

Marco Verratti has admirers at the Camp Nou.

Barcelona have set their sights on Marco Verratti, according to SPORT. The Italian midfielder was once one of the finest in his position in the world and has been on the Blaugrana's radar for a while. Last summer, Verratti left Paris Saint-German to join Al-Arabi but could be on the move once again this year.

The reigning La Liga champions are in the market for a new midfielder this summer. Verratti fits the bill and could be tempted to move back to Europe at the end of the season.

Barcelona wanted him last year but couldn't complete a deal due to their financial problems. The 31-year-old's contract with Al-Arabi expires in 2025, and he is valued at €35 million.

---

Blaugrana plan Robert Lewandowski exit

Robert Lewandowski's future at the Camp Nou remains up in the air.

Barcelona are planning to offload Robert Lewandowski, according to Catalunya Radio.

The Polish striker enjoyed a blistering start to life at the Camp Nou after arriving from Bayern Munich in the summer of 2022. However, his output has taken a hit this season, with the player showing signs of regression.

While Lewandowski has managed 20 goals and nine assists in 43 outings across competitions, the Spanish giants are not entirely convinced. They are also keen to remove his wages from their books ahead of the new season. Lewandowski pockets a reported €13 million per year, and his wages will increase to €16 million next season, as per a clause in his contract.

The player is set to turn 36 this year, so Barcelona believe that an exit would be in the best interests of all parties. Lewandowski is wanted in Saudi Arabia but has no desire to move to the Middle East.

If he doesn't ways with the Blaugrana, he would prefer to see out the final years of his career in the MLS. However, the Polish striker has no desire to leave the Camp Nou at the moment.

---

Former player heaps praise on Xavi

Former Barcelona midfielder Jari Litmanen has spoken highly of Xavi. The Spanish manager recently performed an U-turn in his decision to leave the club this summer and will now stay in charge next season.

The Blaugrana are out of the UEFA Champions League and are lagging behind Real Madrid in the La Liga title race. Speaking recently, as cited by Mundo Deportivo, Litmanen pointed out that the team are playing well under Xavi.

"Xavi has done very well with Barca. The results are good, last year they were champion. This year I have watched many games on television and although they have not emerged as champions, they have played well,” said Litmanen.

He continued:

“The first game against PSG was very good and the second had different problems. It is football – one game is played better, another less so. But if we talk about the last eight teams in the Champions League, they all have quality."

Litmanen also praised Xavi's decision to mix young blood with experienced heads in his squad.

"I like Barça the way they play, I like the work that Xavi has done. There are younger players, but there are also experienced players like Gündogan, Lewandowski or Christensen.

"It is important to do a mix of the two. It is not possible with experience alone, just as you cannot win with the youngest players,” said Litmanen.

Xavi's contract with the reigning La Liga champions expires at the end of next season.