Barcelona Transfer News Roundup: Catalans want Frenkie de Jong stay, Spanish ace not eyeing return, and more - September 14, 2024

Barcelona are putting together final preparations ahead of their trip to the Estadi Montilivi on Sunday, September 15, to face Girona in La Liga. The Catalans arrive at the game in blistering form, winning four games on the trot so far this season.

Meanwhile, the Catalans have no desire to offload Frenkie de Jong. Elsewhere, a Spanish defender is not thinking of a return to Camp Nou at the moment.

On that note, let's look at the major Barcelona transfer stories from September 14, 2024.

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Barcelona want Frenkie de Jong stay, says Deco

Frenkie de Jong

Barcelona sporting director Deco has reiterated the club's desire to keep Frenkie de Jong at Camp Nou. The Dutchman's future has been the talk of the town for a while and he was also linked with an exit this summer.

Manchester United are long-term admirers of the 27-year-old and had previously attempted to prise him away from the La Liga giants. However, the Red Devils opted to invest in Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) midfielder Manuel Ugarte this year.

While a move failed to materialize, there remains doubt regarding the player's involvement in the Catalans' long-term plans. De Jong's curious injury situation has further added to speculation regarding his future.

However, at the Thinking Football Conference as cited by AS, Deco insisted that Barcelona are very happy with the player.

“I don’t understand all the talk about Frenkie. He has a contract with Barça and we are very happy with him. He is a player we are anxious for him to come back because we need Frenkie,” said Deco.

He continued:

“The future? We want him to stay, but the player will decide in his own time. It’s not a matter for now. What matters is that Frenkie comes back to play for us, because we need him and we value him a lot.”

De Jong's contract with the Catalans expires in 2026.

Oscar Mingueza not eyeing return to Camp Nou

Oscar Mingueza

Oscar Mingueza has insisted that he is not considering a return to Barcelona right now. The Spanish defender rose through the ranks at Camp Nou and first caught the eye under Ronald Koeman.

However, Xavi's arrival marked the end of Mingueza's tenure with the Catalans. The 25-year-old moved to Celta Vigo in 2022 and hasn't looked back since.

Last season, he registered 41 appearances across competitions, covering in midfield as well. His efforts have invariably seen him linked with a return to Camp Nou, with Barcelona retaining 50% of his rights.

However, speaking to the press as cited by Barca Universal, Mingueza insisted that he is happy at Estadio de Balaidos.

“It is never easy to leave a team as big as Barça, with the sentimental value it had for having been there for 15 years. It’s something difficult but I faced it with the utmost enthusiasm and desire," said Mingueza.

He continued:

“It was not hard at all, leaving my city and my team, because I had things very clear. I knew I wanted to play and here they welcomed me super well and it was easier than I thought. I am super grateful to the city, the team, the colleagues, technicians. Everyone has made me feel like I were at home,”

The player's contract with Celta Vigo expires in 2026.

Fiorentina wanted Vitor Roque this summer

Vitor Roque

Fiorentina sporting director Daniel Prade has admitted that the club tried to sign Vitor Roque this summer. The Brazilian initially joined Barcelona in January this year but struggled for form.

The Catalans decided to move him on this summer and there was interest from multiple clubs for the 19-year-old. The Tuscan side apparently wanted to take him to Serie A but failed to get a deal across the line. Vitor Roque ended up joining Real Betis on loan.

As cited by acclaimed journalist Fabrizio Romano, Prade recently said that Fiorentina were unable to match Barcelona's €40 million asking price for the Brazilian.

"We tried to sign Vitor Roque but there were impossible conditions at that moment. Barça wanted €40 million for Roque so… no chance,” said Prade.

Betis have an option to make the move permanent next summer or extend his temporary stay for another season.