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Barcelona are preparing for their Copa del Rey Round of 32 tie against Barbastro away on Saturday, January 4. Hansi Flick's team have struggled of late in the league and will be eager to start the new year with a win.
Meanwhile, the Catalans are keeping a close watch on a Liverpool forward. Elsewhere, Atletico Madrid are not considering a move for Dani Olmo in January.
On that note, let's look at the major Barcelona transfer stories from January 2, 2024.
Barcelona eyeing Luis Diaz
Barcelona are keeping a close eye on Luis Diaz's contract situation at Liverpool, according to SPORT. The Catalans have had their eyes on the Colombian for a while and also wanted him last summer after missing out on Nico Williams.
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Club sporting director Deco is a huge fan of Diaz and believes that the player can transform the LaLiga giants. The 27-year-old has been in fantastic form this season for the Reds, registering 12 goals and three assists from 24 games across competitions.
His contract at Anfield runs until 2027, but the player's representatives are frustrated at the Merseyside club's lack of renewal efforts. The situation has caused the player's camp to reach out to Barcelona.
The Catalans are yet to make a move and are playing the patient game. They are expected to monitor the player for now before making a decision regarding a move in the future.
Atletico Madrid not in Dani Olmo talks
Atletico Madrid are not eyeing a move for Dani Olmo at the moment, according to AS. The Spanish midfielder's situation at Barcelona is a big mess at the moment.
The Catalans have failed to register the player for the second half of the campaign despite triggering multiple levers. As things stand, Olmo has the option to leave as a free agent his summer.
The LaLiga giants would also be liable to pay the 26-year-old his entire wages until the end of his contract in 2030 if he so demands. Olmo's situation has naturally drawn attention from multiple clubs in the continent.
Recent reports have suggested that Atletico Madrid also have their eyes on the player. However, it now appears that Los Rojiblancos are not planning to bolster their squad this winter.
Catalans resume Frenkie de Jong contract talks
Barcelona have resumed contract renewal talks with Frenkie de Jong, according to AS. The Dutch midfielder's contract expires in 2026 and his future has been the talk of the town of late.
De Jong missed the start of the season due to injuries and recently returned to full fitness. However, he has struggled to break into Hansi Flick's plans at Camp Nou so far.
The 27-year-old has registered 13 appearances across competitions for the Catalans, but only two of them have been starts. De Jong is no longer a guaranteed starter for the club, further adding to speculation regarding his next move.
The LaLiga giants are willing to offer him a new deal but with a significant pay cut. Barcelona are in financial distress and De Jong is one of the highest earners at the club. As such, the Catalans are keen to address his contract at the earliest.
