'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Barcelona have just one win in their last five games in the league, but remain at the top of the LaLiga table after 18 games. Hansi Flick's team next face second-placed Atletico Madrid on Saturday, December 21, in the league.
Meanwhile, Newcastle United are interested in a Danish defender. Elsewhere, Bayern Munich remain in the hunt for Jonathan Tah.
On that note, let's look at the major Barcelona transfer stories from December 17, 2024.
Newcastle United eyeing Andreas Christensen
Newcastle United have set their sights on Andreas Christensen, according to SPORT. The Danish defender is currently injured but is expected to be back fit at the turn of the year.
Trending
Barcelona have taken advantage of his injury to register Dani Olmo until the end of the year. However, the Catalans are now trying to raise funds to ensure Olmo remains a part of Hansi Flick's roster for the rest of the season.
The German manager is well-stocked at the back and Christensen is no longer guaranteed regular game time with the Catalans. The Magpies are planning to prise him away in the winter to address Sven Botman's injury.
The LaLiga giants are not actively looking to offload the 28-year-old but could be open to an exit. Christensen's departure would free up the wage bill and allow for Olmo's registration without any hassle.
Barcelona could also secure a decent transfer fee for the player. However, a lot will depend on Flick's plans for the rest of the campaign. With the team showing signs of burnout of late, the German manager could opt to hold on to the Dane for now. However, Jonathan Tah is expected to join this summer, so Andreas Christensen could leave the Catalans at the end of this season.
Bayern Munich want Jonathan Tah
Bayern Munich have refused to give up on Jonathan Tah, according to journalist Christian Falk. The German defender was apparently close to a move to the Allianz Arena this summer and had agreed personal terms with the Bavarians.
However, the club failed to reach an agreement with Bayer Leverkusen over the transfer fee and the player ended up staying. The 28-year-old's contract with the reigning Bundesliga champions expires at the end of this season and he has already decided to leave next summer.
Recent reports have suggested that Barcelona have their eyes firmly on the German defender. However, Bayern Munich are unwilling to give him up without a fight.
Barcelona close to signing Cardoso Varela
Barcelona are close to securing the services of talented young Portuguese winger Cardoso Varela, according to Jijantes via Barca Universal. The 16-year-old has caught the eye with Porto's youth team and the Catalans are supposedly in talks to take him to Camp Nou soon.
Barcelona sporting director Deco apparently met with the teenager recently to discuss a move. Talks have progressed well and it now appears that a move could be just around the corner.
The Catalans continue to scout the markets for talented young footballers who can add value to their project. Varela fits their agenda and is expected to join the youth team once he completes a move to Camp Nou.
