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Barcelona are preparing to face Real Madrid in the Supercopa de Espana final at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium on Sunday (January 12). Hansi Flick's team will have the chance to lift their first silverware of the season if they manage to win 2025's first El Clasico.
Meanwhile, the Catalans have suffered a setback in their efforts to take Rafael Leao to Camp Nou. Elsewhere, the Spanish giants are ready to offload three defenders.
On that note, let's look at the major Barcelona transfer stories from January 11, 2025.
Barcelona suffer Rafael Leao blow
Rafael Leao has expressed a desire to continue his stay at AC Milan. The Portuguese forward is hot property in the European circuit after some fine performances for the Rossoneri.
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Barcelona have been linked with a move for the player in recent times. The Catalans remain keen to sign a new left-forward this year and Leao has been mentioned as an option.
Recent reports have suggested that the 25-year-old had a strained relationship with former AC Milan manager Paulo Fonseca. However, with Sergio Conceicao taking over at San Siro, things are looking up for Leao.
Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport (as cited by Mundo Deportivo), the Portuguese insisted that he is not looking to leave AC Milan.
“I see myself here, also in the future,” Leao said.
The news could be a big blow for the Catalans, but they also have Nico Williams and Luis Diaz on their radar for the position.
Catalans ready to offload trio
Barcelona are ready to cash in on Ronald Araujo, Andreas Christensen, and Eric Garcia, according to Mundo Deportivo. The report added that the Catalans only consider Pau Cubarsi and Inigo Martinez as untransferrable among the centre-backs in their roster.
Hansi Flick has Araujo, Christensen, and Garcia in his squad, but none are regular starters. Nonetheless, the German manager wants to hold on to the trio, with games coming in thick and fast.
However, the LaLiga giants are under financial distress and may have to turn to player sales to address the issue. Barcelona are apparently ready to cash in on Araujo, Christensen, and Garcia. They are open to offers for the trio in January but would prefer to offload just one of them this month.
Joshua Kimmich yet to make decision on future
Joshua Kimmich is yet to make a decision on his future amid interest from Barcelona, according to Sky Germany (via SPORT). The German midfielder's contract with Bayern Munich will expire at the end of the ongoing season. He has yet to sign a new deal.
The Bavarians had offered him a renewal proposal and wanted him to come to a decision by January 5. However, Kimmich has yet to respond and Bayern Munich feel the player is waiting for an offer from the Catalans or Premier League clubs.
The LaLiga giants remain in the market for Sergio Busquets' long-term replacement and the 29-year-old is perfect for the role. Barcelona are keeping a close eye on the situation at the Allianz Arena, with Hansi Flick also keen for a reunion. However, the Catalans' poor financial situation could pose a problem to the deal.
