Barcelona Transfer News Roundup: Catalans eyeing Manchester United ace, club receive Mikel Merino boost, and more - June 19, 2024

Barcelona opted to rope in Hansi Flick for the hot seat at Camp Nou after parting ways with Xavi last month. The former Bayern Munich manager has his task cut out with the Catalan side, who endured a disappointing 2023/24 campaign and are under financial difficulties.

Meanwhile, the Spanish giants are considering a move for a Manchester United attacker. Elsewhere, the Blaugrana have received a boost in their efforts to secure the services of Mikel Merino this summer.

On that note, let's look at the major Barcelona transfer stories from June 19, 2024.

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Barcelona eyeing Marcus Rashford

Barcelona remain interested in a move for Marcus Rashford this summer, according to Todo Fichajes. The Catalan side have been eyeing the English forward for a while, but Manchester United's previous valuation of €100m had reportedly put them off.

However, the Red Devils are apparently willing to let Rashford leave for €60m this summer, after an underwhelming 2023/24 campaign. The 26-year-old registered eight goals and five assists from 43 games across competitions and the Premier League giants have reportedly lost their patience with the player.

The La Liga side are eyeing the opportunity to take Rashford to Camp Nou this summer. Barcelona are looking to revamp their frontline after a disappointing campaign. Vitor Roque and Ferran Torres are linked with exits, while Joao Felix's loan deal has come to an end.

Despite his struggles, Rashford remains one of the premier forwards in Europe and could regain his mojo with a change in scenery. Once regarded as one of the next big talents in football, the 26-year-old scored 30 goals and set up ten more from 56 games across competitions in the 2022/23 campaign.

Catalans receive Mikel Merino boost

Barcelona have received a boost in their efforts to bring Mikel Merino to Camp Nou this summer. According to Noticias de Gipuzkoa, Real Sociedad are willing to let the Spanish midfielder leave for €25m this summer.

Merino's contract expires in just over a year and he hasn't signed a new deal yet. The player has a €65m release clause on his contract, but Sociedad are aware that it is unrealistic give his contract situation. They are no longer confident about his stay and are willing to let him go for a fair price.

The Catalan side want a new pivot midfielder this summer and have been eyeing the 27-year-old. Merino is also aware of Barcelona's interest and has shown no inclination to sign a new deal with Sociedad. The Spaniard registered eight goals and five assists from 45 games across competitions in the 2023/24 campaign.

The Catalans also have Newcastle United's Bruno Guimaraes and Everton midfielder Amadou Onana on their wishlist. However, both players are out of the budget due to the club's poor finances. Merino could be a fantastic alternative and would also be easy on the pocket.

Barcelona learn Angelo Stiller price

Barcelona have to pay €50m for the services of Angelo Stiller, according to Sky Sports Germany. The German midfielder caught the eye with VfB Stuttgart in the 2023/24 campaign.

Stiller registered one goal and six assists from 36 games across competitions, and has turned heads at Camp Nou. The La Liga giants are still searching for Sergio Busquets' replacement. Oriol Romeu, roped in for the task last summer, hasn't lived up to the promise.

The Spanish midfielder remains linked with an exit this summer, and the club want Stiller as his replacement. However, Stuttgart's asking price might make the player out of reach for the Catalan side. The 23-year-old is under contract with the Bundesliga side until 2027, so they are under no pressure to let him go.