Barcelona Transfer News Roundup: Catalans considering Xavi exit, Girona want Eric Garcia stay, and more - May 19, 2024

Barcelona welcome Rayo Vallecano to the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on Sunday, May 19, in La Liga. The Catalans arrive at the game in second place on the league table, with two games left to play.

Meanwhile, the club are furious with Xavi for his recent comments and could part ways with the Spaniard. Elsewhere, Girona want to hold on to Eric Garcia.

On that note, let's look at the major Barcelona transfer stories from May 19, 2024.

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Barcelona considering Xavi exit, says Fabrizio Romano

Xavi Hernandez

Barcelona are least pleased with Xavi's recent comments, according to acclaimed journalist Fabrizio Romano. Last month, the Spanish manager performed a U-turn on his previous decision to leave the Catalans this summer. However, his recent comments about the club's financial situation and Vitor Roque's arrival have put him in troubled waters.

In his column for Caught Offside, Romano shed light on the matter, adding that the La Liga giants could consider Xavi's departure this summer.

“It’s been an incredible, incredible story at Barcelona over the last 24 hours. Something really strange already happened as the president, Joan Laporta, and the sporting director, Deco, didn’t travel with the team to Almeria. Why? Because Laporta was really furious with Xavi for several reasons, but two reasons above all," wrote Romano

He continued:

"The first is that the president was not expecting Xavi to go public in the pre-match press conference and say that it’s really difficult to do important things in this moment, because of the financial situation at the club. Laporta was always expecting Xavi to support the club and to keep things private."

He concluded:

“Secondly, Laporta and other people at the club didn’t appreciate Xavi saying that the original plan was to bring Vitor Roque to the club in the summer rather than in January. That it was Xavi who wanted to do the deal earlier. This is a really, really complicated situation at the club, and so let me say that there is a chance that Xavi and Barca will part ways.”

Xavi's contract with the club runs until 2025.

Girona want Eric Garcia stay

Eric Garcia

Girona are keen to keep hold of Eric Garcia, according to AS. The Spanish defender left Barcelona on loan this summer to join Gironistes and has been in fine form so far. Garcia has appeared 29 times across competitions and has played a key role in the club's rise this season. Girona are pleased with his effort and are determined to have him in the team for next campaign.

However, it might be easier said than done. Xavi has already expressed a desire to keep the 23-year-old at Camp Nou next season. Ronald Araujo remains heavily linked with a departure this year, so the Catalans may opt to integrate Garcia into the squad. However, with Xavi's future now uncertain, there remains a doubt regarding the club's plans for the summer. That could work in Girona's favour, with the Spanish defender reportedly happy at Estadio Montilivi.

Former player advises Catalans to offload Frenkie de Jong

Frenkie de Jong

Barcelona legend Rivaldo believes the club should bring in an upgrade on Frenkie de Jong. The Dutch midfielder remains a first team regular for the club right now, although his future remains up in the air. De Jong has appeared 30 times across competitions this season, registering two goals. Recent reports have suggested that the Catalans could let him go this summer to address their financial woes.

Speaking to SPORT, Rivaldo added that it is time for the Spanish giants to move on from De Jong.

“Although he is now in his fifth season at the club, his situation is based on the same scenario: the club needs to move and add players. In his case, surely Barça can sign players of the same level or even better than him,” said Rivaldo

The 27-year-old is reportedly a target for Manchester United this summer.