Barcelona Transfer News Roundup: Catalans eyeing Sporting ace, PSG want Alejandro Balde, and more - January 5, 2025

Barcelona secured a 4-0 win over Barbastro in the Copa del Rey Round of 32 on Saturday, January 4, at the Estadio Municipal. Robert Lewandowski scored a brace, while Eric Garcia and Pablo Torre also found the back of the net for Hansi Flick's team.

Meanwhile, the Catalans have set their sights on a Swedish striker who plays for Sporting. Elsewhere, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) are contemplating a move for Alejandro Balde.

On that note, let's look at the major Barcelona transfer stories from January 5, 2025.

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Barcelona eyeing Viktor Gyokeres

Viktor Gyokeres

Barcelona are eyeing a summer move for Viktor Gyokeres, according to AS. The Swedish striker has been outstanding for Sporting in recent seasons but is linked with an exit from the club.

Gyokeres has registered 30 goals and six assists from 28 games across competitions this season. However, with the Portuguese club struggling following Ruben Amorim's exit, the 26-year-old has been tipped to take the next step in his career soon.

Multiple clubs are eyeing him with interest, but the player has no desire to leave this month. That will be refreshing news for the Catalans, who have identified him as a possible replacement for Robert Lewandowski.

The Polish striker has been on fire this season but will turn 37 in August. The LaLiga giants want Gyokeres to take his place in the team and are eyeing a move at the end of this season.

Barcelona are free to invest heavily in the squad after returning to LaLiga's 1:1 rule earlier this week. However, they may have to offload Lewandowski to make room for Gyokeres.

PSG want Alejandro Balde

Alejandro Balde

PSG have set their sights on Alejandro Balde, according to journalist Matteo Moretto. The Spaniard rose through the ranks at Barcelona and is now a regular feature under Hansi Flick.

This season, Balde has registered four assists from 22 games for the Catalans. His efforts have earned him admirers at the Parc des Princes.

The Parisians are preparing for life after Nuno Mendes, who could be on the move at the end of this season. PSG want to sign Balde as the Portuguese's replacement this summer. However, the Spaniard is under contract with the LaLiga giants until 2028, so prising him away won't be easy.

Ronaldo Araujo opens up on his future

Ronald Araujo

Ronald Araujo has remained coy about his future. The Uruguayan defender's contract with Barcelona runs until the end of next season, and his future remains uncertain.

Araujo was heavily linked with Bayern Munich in January 2023 but ended up staying at Camp Nou. The Bavarians and Manchester United wanted the player last summer as well, but his injury ended any chances of his exit. He was subsequently sidelined for the first half of the season, before returning to action against Barbastro in the Copa del Rey this weekend.

After the game, as cited by Mundo Deportivo, the Uruguayan revealed that he is in talks with the LaLiga giants regarding a new deal.

"We are talking with the club about my renewal, but I am focused on playing again and getting minutes. Will I continue 100% at Barça? We are talking to the club,” said Araujo.

Araujo played the entire 90 minutes, which will be a huge boost to Barcelona's plans.