'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Barcelona are preparing for their away La Liga game against Alaves on Sunday, October 6. Hansi Flick's team are in good form, having won eight of their ten games across competitions this season.
Meanwhile, the Catalan giants want to take Erling Haaland to Camp Nou next summer. Elsewhere, Raphinha has no plans to leave the La Liga giants.
On that note, let's look at the major Barcelona transfer stories from October 3, 2024.
Barcelona want Erling Haaland in 2025
Erling Haaland is Barcelona's dream signing for 2025, according to journalist Joaquim Piera. Barca are laying down succession plans for Robert Lewandowski, who will turn 37 next August.
Trending
The Polish striker has shown no signs of slowing down of late and has rediscovered his mojo under Hansi Flick. Lewandowski has registered nine goals and two assists from 10 games across competitions this season.
His contract expires at the end of this season, although it will be automatically renewed for another year if he registers a predefined number of appearances. However, Barcelona are already preparing for the future and believe that Erling Haaland is the ideal candidate for the job.
The Norwegian has been exceptional in front of the goal since arriving at Manchester City from Borussia Dortmund in 2022. Haaland has scored 101 goals from 107 appearances in all competitions for the Premier League champions so far.
Haaland's future could be linked with that of Pep Guardiola, whose contract at the Etihad expires in 2025. However, even if the 24-year-old becomes available, the Catalans will have to pay an astronomical fee for his signature. As such, all will depend on the club's ability to address their financial situation in the coming days.
Raphinha not looking to leave Barca
Raphinha has no desire to leave Barcelona at the moment, according to GOAL. The Brazilian forward has been in exceptional form this season under Hansi Flick, registering six goals and four assists from 10 games across competitions.
Raphinha was heavily linked with an exit from Camp Nou over the summer. He had dropped down the pecking order for the Catalans last season following the emergence of Lamine Yamal.
The Spanish teenager established himself in the left-forward role, prompting rumors regarding Raphinha's future. There were reports of interest from Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, and Arsenal for the 27-year-old, who has played in England with Leeds United.
However, Raphinha refused to leave and turned over a new leaf under Flick. The German manager shifted the Brazilian to the left-forward position and the player hasn't looked back since.
He has played some of the best football of his career this season and is looking to stay at Barcelona. His contract with the La Liga giants expires in 2027.
Wojciech Szczesny outlined Robert Lewandowski's role in move
Wojciech Szczesny has shared that Robert Lewandowski played a big role in convincing him to join Barcelona. The Polish goalkeeper has come out of retirement to help the Catalan giants deal with Marc-Andre Ter Stegen's injury.
The German custodian picked up a knee injury last month that required surgery and is likely to be sidelined for the entire campaign. The La Liga giants opted to move quickly to reach an agreement with the 34-year-old, who had hung up his boots in August after terminating his contract with Juventus.
Speaking to Barcelona's media, Szczesny said compatriot Lewandowski was the first to call him to discuss the move.
"Lewandowski was the first person to call me, asking me the possibility of this happening. At first I wasn’t ready for new challenges but I spoke to my family and friends and they all told me it would be a mistake not to accept this. That’s why Robert played a very important role because he was the person who had the idea to convince me,” said Szczesny.
Szczesny and Lewandowski have shared the pitch for Poland and are all set to do the same for Barca. The Polish goalkeeper also appeared for Arsenal and AS Roma in his career.
Szczesny added that he was proud to join the La Liga giants.
“It’s a proud moment. I was honestly prepared for retirement. I was happy in that situation but being here these first two days in the city and seeing how people have treated me and how important it is to them has made me feel proud and part of this exciting family," said Szczesny.
“Although it’s a great institution and a great football club, I’ve felt the feeling of family. Family is very important to me and now I’ve extended it a little,” he added.
The goalkeeper has signed a short-term deal with Barcelona that will keep him at Camp Nou until the end of the season.
