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Barcelona are hoping to use the summer to the fullest to get back to their heydays. The Catalans endured a disappointing 2023-24 campaign, cut ties with Xavi, and have since appointed Hansi Flick as his replacement.
Meanwhile, the La Liga giants are planning a move for a Bundesliga star this summer. Elsewhere, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) have been tipped to target Lamine Yamal this year.
On that note, let's look at the major Barcelona transfer stories from June 20, 2024.
Hansi Flick wants Dani Olmo at Barcelona
Hansi Flick has given his green light to a possible move for Dani Olmo this summer, according to SPORT. The La Masia graduate has made a name for himself at RB Leipzig of late and is a wanted man this year.
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Olmo missed much of the 2023/24 campaign with injuries, but still registered eight goals and five assists from 25 games for the German side. The 26-year-old's efforts have convinced Barcelona, who want him back at Camp Nou.
Catalans' sporting director Deco reportedly held talks with the player's camp earlier this week and expressed a desire to script a move. It is believed that the Spaniard is also ready to return to his old hunting ground.
Flick has also approved the move, with the German manager well aware of the Olmo's qualities. However, the player has a €60m release clause in his deal, which could pose a problem to the La Liga giants' plans.
Barcelona are also likely to face competition for the 26-year-old. Olmo has been guaranteed that he will play a key role in the team should a move materialize. As such, the player's desire to return could help the Catalans in the race for his services.
PSG backed to target Lamine Yamal
PSG could script a move for Lamine Yamal before the end of this summer, according to Massimo Franchi, the founder of the Golden Boy Awards. The 16-year-old is one of the favorites to win the coveted award after a superb 2023-24 campaign with Barcelona.
Yamal registered seven goals and ten assists from 50 games across all competitions, and is the next big thing to emerge out of La Masia. The Spaniard's efforts have earned him admirers at multiple clubs across the continent.
Speaking to Philipp Kessler, Franchi tipped the Parisians to target Yamal as Kylian Mbappe's replacement.
"I wouldn’t be surprised if one day – perhaps on August 31 – the newspapers announce that he will become Kylian Mbappé’s replacement at Paris Saint-Germain,” said Franchi.
He continued:
"Possibly even at a price that exceeds the previous record transfer fee of €222 million that PSG paid for Neymar. Maybe the French club will get Yamal for 250 million euros. That’s something that’s in my head.”
Franchi went on to add that the Catalans' financial issues could tempt them to consider a move for a blockbuster price.
"When I think of a future superstar, I can only think of Lamine Yamal. His release clause at FC Barcelona is €1 billion. But Barca has financial problems," said Franchi.
He concluded:
“I recently asked Nasser Al-Khelaifi who he would like to sign next. He said that the only top star next season will be coach Luis Enrique. But I don’t believe him in this case. PSG have too much money. The temptation is too great to use it. And, in the end, I think temptation will win.”
Yamal is already tipped to become Lionel Messi's heir at Camp Nou, so the La Liga giants will try their best to keep hold of him.
Manchester United offer €40m for Jules Kounde
Manchester United have entered the race for Jules Kounde, according to Football 365. The French defender was heavily involved with Barcelona's first team in the 2023/24 campaign, although he often had to operate out of position.
Kounde registered 48 appearances across competitions, playing at right-back and center back. The Red Devils are pleased with his efforts and reportedly have already offered €40m for his signature.
The Premier League giants are looking for Raphael Varane's replacement this summer and have identified his countryman as an option. However, their offer has been turned down by the Catalans.
The La Liga giants are not actively looking to offload the 25-year-old, and Hansi Flick also wants him to stay. However, the club's poor finances could pose a problem to their plans.
Barcelona have reportedly informed Manchester United that they can sign Kounde for €60m this summer. The player would prefer to stay at Camp Nou, so the Red Devils have to convince him to move.
