Barcelona Transfer News Roundup: Catalans eyeing Swedish ace, club suffer Mason Greenwood blow, and more - October 2, 2024

Barcelona returned to winning ways with a thumping 5-0 victory over Young Boys at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on Tuesday, October 1, in the UEFA Champions League. Robert Lewandowski scored a brace, Raphinha and Inigo Martinez got on the scoresheet and Mohamed Ali Camara scored an own goal to mark an eventful night for Hansi Flick's side.

Meanwhile, the Catalans have set their sights on a Swedish striker who plays for Sporting. Elsewhere, the La Liga giants have suffered a setback in their plans to sign Marseille striker Mason Greenwood.

On that note, let's look at the major Barcelona transfer stories from October 2, 2024.

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Barcelona eyeing Viktor Gyokeres

Viktor Gyokeres

Barcelona have set their sights on Viktor Gyokeres, according to SPORT. The Swedish striker was in red-hot form for Sporting CP last season, scoring 43 goals and setting up 15 more from 50 games across competitions.

He was a wanted man this summer, with multiple clubs eyeing him with interest. The Catalans also had him on their radar, but their poor finances perhaps put a dent in their plans. The 26-year-old ended up staying in Lisbon and has continued where he left off last campaign.

This season, Gyokeres has already racked up 11 goals and three assists from 10 games across competitions. The La Liga giants are pleased with his efforts and see him as the ideal long-term replacement for Robert Lewandowski.

The Polish striker has regained his mojo under Hansi Flick this season and has nine goals and two assists from ten games so far. However, he is already 36 and the club have to lay down succession plans. Lewandowski is under contract at Camp Nou until the end of this season. However, his deal will be automatically renewed for another year if he plays a predefined number of games this season.

The Pole has been indispensable for Barcelona this year, but they are keeping their options open all the same. Gyokeres could be a fine choice for the job, but prising him away won't be easy. The player is under contract with Sporting until 2028 and is likely to cost a small fortune.

Catalans suffer Mason Greenwood blow

Mason Greenwood

Mason Greenwood has no desire to leave Marseille just yet, according to The Sun. The disgraced English winger is slowly turning his career around after leaving Manchester United this summer.

Since arriving at the Orange Velodrome, Greenwood has been in magnificent form. The 23-year-old has scored five goals and set up one more from six games across competitions.

His efforts have apparently turned heads at multiple clubs, and the Catalans are also on the list of his suitors. The report adds that the La Liga giants are already preparing a £60 million offer for Greenwood and want to move for him next summer.

However, the player is settled in Ligue 1 and wants to stay with Marseille for as long as possible. As such, Barcelona could struggle to prise him away next year.

Barcelona announce Wojciech Szczesny arrival

Wojciech Szczesny

Barcelona have announced the arrival of Wojciech Szczesny at Camp Nou. The Polish goalkeeper was identified as the ideal candidate to replace Marc-Andre ter Stegen following his unfortunate injury last month.

The German custodian had to undergo surgery to address a knee injury and is unlikely to return to action this season. With the Catalans not entirely convinced by Inaki Pena, they opted to move for Szczesny.

The 34-year-old hung up his boots in August this year after ending his contract with Juventus. However, the lure of playing for Barcelona has convinced him to come out of retirement. The player has signed a contract until the end of this season and will wear the No. 25 shirt.