Barcelona Transfer News Roundup: Blaugrana rejected €250m Lamine Yamal offer; Alex Baena wants Camp Nou move, and more - October 19, 2024

Barcelona are putting together final preparations ahead of their upcoming La Liga tie against Sevilla at home on Sunday, October 20. Hansi Flick's team are atop the league table after nine games.

Meanwhile, the Blaugrana turned down a colossal offer for youngster Lamine Yamal this year. Elsewhere, Villarreal forward Alex Baena is reportedly desperate for a move to the Camp Nou.

On that note, here's a look at the key Barcelona transfer stories as on October 19, 2024:

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Barcelona rejected €250 million Lamine Yamal offer, says Joan Laporta

Lamine Yamal

Barcelona turned down a €250 million offer from Paris Saint-Germain for Lamine Yamal, club president Joan Laporta has revealed. The 17-year-old exploded into the scenes last season at the Camp Nou, prompting interest from mutiple clubs.

Yamal registered seven goals and nine assists in 50 appearances across competitions for the Blaugrana. He also helped Spain win Euro 2024 over the summer and has continued his steady rise with Barca this season.

Yamal has scored five goals and set up five more in 11 games across competitions under new boss Hansi Flick. Recent reports have suggested that the Parisians wanted him over the summer, and Laporta has confirmed the same.

Speaking to Barca One, the Barcelona president said that the teenager is invaluable to the club.

“They (PSG) came to buy Lamine from me for €250 million, and I said no six months ago. He is the most popular player in the world. What is Lamine’s real value? Well, that is not reflected in the book value,” said Laporta.

Recent reports have suggested that the Blaugrana are planning to tie Yamal down to an improved contract when he turns 18 next year.

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Alex Baena wants Camp Nou move

Alex Baena

Alex Baena has his heart set on joining Barcelona, according to journalist German Bona. The Spanish forward has been in fine form for Villarreal this season, registering one goal and five assists from eight games in La Liga.

His efforts have already earned him admirers at clubs in the Premier League, who are ready to prise him away. However, the 23-year-old has decided that he will only leave the Yellow Submarine for the Blaugrana.

Barcelona are attentive to his situation and have been in touch with the player's camp. However, prising him away from the El Madrigal won't be a walk in the park.

The Spaniard is under contract with Villarreal till 2028 and has a reported €60 million release clause in his deal. Multiple clubs from England are apparently willing to trigger that option or pay close to the amount for the player.

Baena is adamant about a move to the Camp Nou, but the Blaugrana don't have the finances to script a deal.

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Blaugrana eyeing Guilherme Doguinha

Barcelona have set their sights on Flamengo starlet Guilherme Doguinha, according to club insider Jijantes. They have endured a wretched luck with their pursuit of Brazilian talents in recent years.

The La Liga giants invested heavily in Vitor Roque this January, but the 18-year-old endured an underwhelming time at the Camp Nou. He's currently on loan at Real Betis and is no longer a part of the club's plans.

The likes of Arthur Melo and Malcom haven't been successful either, but that hasn't deterred Barcelona. They have their eyes on Palmeiras' Vitor Reis and have identified Doguinha as their next target.

The 15-year-old is yet to make his first team bow for Flamengo but has caught the eye with the youth side. Doguinha is winger by trade, with impressive pace and skills. The Blaugrana will be monitorig the player for now before making a decision on their next move.