Barcelona registered a winning start to the Hansi Flick era over the weekend in La Liga. The Catalan giants will next face Athletic Bilbao in the league on Saturday, August 24.
Meanwhile, Newcastle United are interested in Ferran Torres. Elsewhere, Manchester City are planning to take Ilkay Gundogan back to the Emirates.
On that note, let’s look at the major Barcelona transfer news from August 20, 2024.
Newcastle United eyeing Ferran Torres
Newcastle United have set their sights on Ferran Torres, according to Football Insider. The Spanish forward has been in and out of the first-team squad of late and is no longer guaranteed regular football at Barcelona.
The arrival of Hansi Flick could give him a chance to get his career back on track at Camp Nou. However, Torres is still behind Lamine Yamal and Raphinha in the pecking order and could consider his options this summer.
Newcastle are keeping a close eye on the situation and are planning to prise him away. The Magpies are preparing an attractive proposal to persuade the 24-year-old to make the move.
The La Liga giants are in financial distress and are ready to listen to offers for Torres. However, the Spaniard has no desire to leave and wants to fight for his place in Flick’s starting XI.
Manchester City want Ilkay Gundogan return
Manchester City are eager to re-sign Ilkay Gundogan this summer, according to acclaimed journalist Fabrizio Romano. The veteran German left the Etihad last year following the expiry of his contract and joined Barcelona on a Bosman deal.
Gundogan was decisive for the Catalans last season, registering five goals and 14 assists from 51 games across competitions. However, his future at Camp Nou remains up in the air this summer, amid reports that the La Liga giants are ready to let him go.
City are eyeing a reunion and have seemingly reached out to the player’s entourage to discuss a move. The 33-year-old is also wanted in Turkey and Saudi Arabia, but could also be open to a return to the Premier League.
Gundogan’s departure could also help clear up the wage bill at Barcelona, and raise a decent transfer fee.
Joao Felix rules out Barcelona return
Joao Felix has decided not to return to Barcelona this summer, according to COPE. The Portuguese forward spent the last season on loan at Camp Nou and Barca are apparently willing to get him back.
The La Liga giants are looking for attacking reinforcements this summer and are likely to miss out on Nico Williams. They could opt to fall back to Felix, who scored 10 goals and set up six more in 44 games across competitions last season for Barca.
The 24-year-old is no longer part of Diego Simeone’s plans at Atletico Madrid and will be allowed to leave. It was previously believed that Felix had his heart set on rejoining the Catalans, but it now appears that is no longer the case.
One of the issues is that Felix will have to reduce his wages if he joins Barcelona, which is a dealbreaker for the player. Recent reports have suggested that he could be on his way back to Chelsea this summer.
