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Barcelona are preparing for an eventful summer after a trophyless campaign. The Catalans have already parted ways with manager Xavi and are likely to appoint his replacement soon.
Meanwhile, the Catalans are not in talks to sign two Liverpool players. Elsewhere, Galatasaray have their eyes on Ilkay Gundogan.
On that note, let's take a look at the major Barcelona transfer stories from May 29, 2024.
Barcelona not in talks for Liverpool duo, says journalist
Barcelona are unlikely to complete moves for Luis Diaz and Thiago Alcantara this summer, according to transfer insider Ben Jacobs. The Colombian forward has been linked with a move to Camp Nou for a while.
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Diaz has been in decent form for Liverpool this season, registering 13 goals and five assists from 51 outings across competitions. The Catalans are looking to upgrade their attack and recent reports have suggested that they are prioritizing a move for the 27-year-old.
However, in his column for Caught Offside, Jacobs insisted that the Reds have no desire to let him go.
“Liverpool want to keep Luis Diaz. It’s really as simple as that. Diaz is contracted until 2027 and there are no plans to sell him this summer despite ongoing links with Barcelona,” wrote Jacobs.
He continued:
“Diaz would like to play in Spain one day, as his father has hinted at in public in recent months, but that’s more a long-term goal. He has given no indication he wants to leave Liverpool now, nor can Barcelona afford him without significant outgoings first due to Financial Fair Play issues."
Thiago, meanwhile, is all set to leave Anfield as a free agent this summer. The La Liga giants remain heavily linked with a move for their former player, with AS also suggesting that he could take up a player-coach role under incoming manager Hansi Flick.
However, Jacobs has stated that the Spaniard is yet to make a decision on his next move.
“Thiago Alcantara is still assessing options having left Liverpool. His priority is to stay in Europe. Saudi dealmakers tried to get him to agree a pre-contract in January but couldn’t persuade him to join the Saudi Pro League," wrote Jacobs.
He added:
“Barcelona have been linked with Thiago as well, but it’s still too early to know for sure what his next move will be after leaving Liverpool at the end of his contract.”
Thiago registered 100 appearances for Barcelona before leaving for Bayern Munich in 2013.
Galatasaray want Ilkay Gundogan
Ilkay Gundogan is wanted at Galatasaray, according to SPORT. The German midfielder joined Barcelona from Manchester City last summer as a free agent and has been an integral part of the starting XI. Gundogan appeared 51 times across competitions this season, registering five goals and 14 assists. Galatasaray are long-term admirers of the 33-year-old and attempted to sign him last year as well.
The Turkish club are now determined to get their man. Club president Dursun Ozbek is a Gundogan fan and has openly professed his desire to sign the German midfielder. The player is under contract at Camp Nou until 2025, but the Catalans' financial situation could tempt them to cash in on him this summer. However, with a relatively young squad at their disposal, the La Liga giants are likely to keep hold of the 33-year-old for now.
Portuguese duo want Camp Nou stay, says Fabrizio Romano
Joao Felix and Joao Cancelo are keen to stay at Barcelona beyond this summer, according to acclaimed journalist Fabrizio Romano. Felix and Cancelo arrived on loan last summer from Atletico Madrid and Manchester City respectively and have done well at Camp Nou. It was previously believed that the Catalans would consider keeping them both permanently at the club. However, with Xavi removed from the charge of the first team, their futures remain up in the air.
In his column for Caught Offside, Romano added that incoming manager Hansi Flick will make the final decision regarding the matter.
"Now Barcelona board will welcome Hansi Flick in the city and will start meetings to discuss every player’s position and future. Cancelo and Felix want to stay at Barca, but it depends on the new manager now,” wrote Romano.
City are likely to let Cancelo leave for a reduced fee, but Felix is expected to cost a fortune.
