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Barcelona thumped Real Valladolid 7-0 at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on Saturday, August 31, in La Liga. Raphinha scored a hat-trick, while Robert Lewandowski, Jules Kounde, Dani Olmo and Ferran Torres also got on the scoresheet.
Meanwhile, the Blaugrana have received some good news in their pursuit of Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams. Elsewhere, the Spanish giants have signed full-back David Oduro.
On that note, here's a look at the key Barcelona transfer stories as on September 1, 2024:
Barcelona receive Nico Williams boost
Nico Williams has admitted that his future remains undecided. The Spanish forward was a priority target for Barcelona this summer. New boss Hansi Flick wanted a new left-forward and had his eyes on the 22-year-old.
The Blaugrana were apparently willing to trigger Williams' release clause, but he ended up staying at Athletic Bilbao. Barca opted against signing an alternate target and could return for the Spaniard next year.
Speaking to DAZN, as cited by The Athletic, Williams said that he never considered leaving San Mames this summer.
“There were approaches from many clubs. I did well at the Euros and that’s a great showcase.
"I had many clubs to choose from, but my heart is with Athletic Club. I’m happy here, and I’m very happy here. God knows what will happen in the future,” said Williams.
Recent reports have suggested that Arsenal also have their eyes on the 22-year-old.
Blaugrana sign David Oduro
Barcelona have announced the arrival of David Oduro from Ghanaian side Accra Lions this summer. The 18-year-old had a trial at the Camp Nou earlier this year and apparently impressed the club.
The Ghanaian left-back has drawn comparisons with Bayern Munich speedster Alphonso Davies due to similar playing styles. Oduro is a starter for Accra Lions' senior side, appearing 50 times across competitions.
The player also had trials at Chelsea, and there was rising interest in his services recently. It briefly appeared that the La Liga giants would miss out on the teenager, but they got a deal across the line eventually.
Oduro becomes the first Ghanaian to directly join Barcelona from the African nation. He's likely to be drafted into the youth team for now.
Barcelona give Frenkie de Jong ultimatum
Barcelona have given Frenkie de Jong 15 days to address his situation, according to Mundo Deportivo. The Dutch midfielder is sidelined with an ankle injury since April this year and only wants to get back on the pitch once he's 100% fit.
Recent reports have suggested that the player has been advised to undergo surgery to address the issue, but De Jong is reluctant to go under the knife. The player was linked with an exit this summer, with Manchester United known to be long-term admirers of the 27-year-old.
However, the Red Devils opted to sign Manuel Ugarted from Paris Saint-Germain instead. The Blaugrana are now running out of patience with De Jong. The La Liga giants have handed him two weeks to get his act together and play through the pain barrier if required.
Barcelona failed to sign a defensive midfielder this summer and are short at the position. Ilkay Gundogan, Oriol Romeu and Sergio Roberto have left this year, while Marc Bernal is ruled out of the season after picking up an ACL injury.
The La Liga leaders want to carry out an assessment in the next fortnight to figure out De Jong's situation. If there's no significant improvement on his injury, the Dutchman will be asked to go for surgery,so that he can be fit for the second half of the season.
