Barcelona Transfer News Roundup: Catalans receive Joshua Kimmich boost, club had agreement with Napoli ace, and more - June 24, 2024

Barcelona handed the reins of the first team to Hansi Flick last month. The German tactician took over from Xavi, who left at the end of an underwhelming 2023/24 campaign.

Meanwhile, the Catalans have received a boost in their plans to sign Joshua Kimmich. Elsewhere, the Spanish giants reached an agreement with a Napoli midfielder regarding a move this summer.

On that note, let's look at the major Barcelona transfer stories from June 24, 2024.

---

Barcelona receive Joshua Kimmich boost

Joshua Kimmich

Barcelona have reportedly received a boost in their efforts to sign Joshua Kimmich this summer. According to SPORT, the German midfielder has decided not to sign a new contract with Bayern Munich.

Kimmich's current deal expires at the end of next season and the Bavarians are already engaged in talks for an extension. However, it appears that their efforts haven't been fruitful yet.

The Catalans are long-term admirers of the 29-year-old and are keeping a close eye on his situation. New manager Hansi Flick is eager for a reunion with his former player and is pushing for a move.

Bayern could be forced to cash in on Kimmich this summer if he continues to stall a new deal. The La Liga giants could script a cut-price move for the German midfielder, with Flick's presence likely to give them an edge in the race.

Alternatively, Kimmich could also depart the Allianz Arena as a free agent in 2025, which will also suit Barcelona.

Catalans had agreement with Stanislav Lobotka, says his agent

Barcelona had an agreement in place for the services of Stanislav Lobokta, according to the player's agent, Branislav Jasurek. The Catalans are planning for midfield reinforcements this summer, with Oriol Romeu's future up in the air.

New manager Hansi Flick is expected to push for a new pivot midfield and Lobotka fits the bill. The 29-year-old registered 49 appearances across competitions in the 2023/24 campaign for Napoli, prompting interest from Camp Noi.

However, speaking to RTV, Jasurek added that Xavi's departure has stalled the entire operation.

“We had an agreement with Barcelona, then they changed the manager. At the moment, the situation is not very clear. Barcelona has financial problems and the operation to buy Lobotka has been frozen. However, the negotiations have definitely not fallen through and the situation can still evolve,” said Jasurek.

He continued:

“Lobotka will return to Naples and everyone will be happy. Napoli have no intention of letting go of him for a low fee. There are coaches looking for a midfielder like Lobotka and I’m still talking to some of them.”

Lobotka is under contract with the Serie A side until 2027.

Dani Olmo hints at Camp Nou return

Dani Olmo could return to Camp Nou this summer

Dani Olmo has refused to rule out a return to Camp Nou this summer. The Spanish midfielder has made a name for himself in recent times and is now an indispensable figure at RB Leipzig.

The former La Masia graduate missed much of the 2023/24 campaign with injuries, but still registered eight goals and five assists from 25 games. He has long been linked with a return to his former hunting ground, and Hansi Flick's arrival has added to those rumours.

The German manager is looking to add more creativity to his ranks and has zeroed in on Olmo. The 26-year-old is not short of options this summer, with multiple clubs eager to secure his services.

Speaking while on international duty, as quoted by GOAL, Olmo stated that his future will be decided in the coming weeks.

“My future? My future will be known before July 14. I’m calm, focused on the Euros, on playing, contributing and that’s it. Would I return to Barcelona? Returning to Barca is an option that can occur. We will see after the end of Euros,” said Olmo.

Olmo is under contract at the Red Bull Arena until 2027.