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Barcelona are preparing to improve their squad after failing to pick up silverware in the 2023/24 campaign. The Catalans have since parted ways with Xavi and replaced him with Hansi Flick.
Meanwhile, the La Liga giants have pulled the plug on their plans to sign Joshua Kimmich this summer. Elsewhere, an Aston Villa star wants to move to Camp Nou.
On that note, let's look at the major Barcelona transfer news from June 13, 2024.
Barcelona end Joshua Kimmich chase
Barcelona have ended their pursuit of Joshua Kimmich, according to SPORT. Manchester City are now in the driving seat in the race to sign the German midfielder this summer.
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Kimmich's contract with Bayern Munich expires in 2025 and he hasn't signed an extension yet. The Catalans are looking for a new midfielder this year and are long-term admirers of the 29-year-old.
Kimmich could be the ideal replacement for Sergio Busquets at Camp Nou, with Oriol Romeu failing to live up to the task. It was believed that Hansi Flick is an admirer of his countryman and wants a reunion with him this summer.
However, Barcelona president Joan Laporta has already ruled out a move for Kimmich in a recent interview. City have moved quickly and taken advantage of the situation.
The Premier League champions are even willing to match the German's €10m per-year wages. Pep Guardiola wants to take his former player to the Etihad this year. Kimmich had his heart set on a move to Camp Nou, but is willing to consider a transfer to the Premier League.
Douglas Luiz wants Camp Nou move
Barcelona have been offered the chance to sign Douglas Luiz this summer, according to SPORT. The Brazilian forward is a wanted man following a fantastic 2023/24 campaign with Aston Villa.
Luiz registered 10 goals and 10 assists from 53 games across competitions for the Premier League side, helping them finish fourth in the league. His efforts have turned heads at multiple clubs across the continent.
The Villans would like him to stay, but their hand could be forced as they work to comply with the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules. Recent reports have suggested that Juventus are already eyeing the 26-year-old with interest.
However, it now appears that the player's representatives have been in touch with the Catalans to script a move. The La Liga giants need a new midfielder this summer and Luiz could be a fine addition to Hansi Flick's squad.
However, the Brazilian is under contract at Villa Park until 2026 and he is likely to cost above €70m. The player is keen to join Barcelona, but he might not fit into their budget.
Mikel Merino opens up on rumours linking him to Catalans
Mikel Merino has refused to indulge in rumours linking him to Barcelona. The 27-year-old enjoyed a stellar 2023/24 campaign with Real Sociedad, registering eight goals and five assists from 45 games across competitions.
Merino's contract expires at the end of next summer and he hasn't signed an extension yet. Recent reports have suggested that the Catalans have their eye on the Spaniard.
Speaking recently, as cited by SPORT, Merino insisted that the rumours reflected his good work at the club.
“From the first moment I set foot in a professional team, I have always said that any rumour or link I have with another team, I take it as a positive thing for the club I am at,” said Merino.
He added:
“It speaks very well that there is interest, that I am doing well, that I am playing at a good level. It means that Real are doing things well, it’s good for the club, for the growth of Real Sociedad.”
The 27-year-old remained coy about the links, adding that his agent handled such matters.
“If I’m clear about one thing, it’s that, throughout my career, all this kind of information, I let my agent handle it. I don’t like to hear these kinds of things, unless they are real, serious and ultimately," said Merino.
He continued:
“My representatives have a lot of respect for me and, at a time like the national team, until there is something definitive, I won’t have any news. Everything I read on the social networks or what my teammates say, who are the ones who tease me the most, stays there.”
Merino could be a fine fit in Hansi Flick's 4-2-3-1 system at Camp Nou.
