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Barcelona finished second in the La Liga table last season, ten points adrift of Champions Real Madrid. The Catalans have since replaced Xavi with Hansi Flick to get them back to the top.
Meanwhile, the Blaugrana are in the driving seat in the race to sign Nico Williams this summer. Elsewhere, the club are edging closer to a Portuguese full-back.
On that note, let's look at the major Barcelona transfer stories from July 13, 2024.
Barcelona leading Nico Williams race
Barcelona are the favorites to sign Nico Williams this summer, according to Caught Offside. The Spanish forward has become a household name in recent times, following his exploits with club and country.
Williams enjoyed a stunning 2023/24 campaign with Athletic Bilbao, helping them win the Copa del Rey. The 22-year-old finished the season with eight goals and 19 assists from 37 games across competitions.
The Catalans have had their eyes on Williams for a while and have apparently made him a priority target for this summer. The 22-year-old has struck up a fantastic partnership with Lamine Yamal for La Roja at Euro 2024.
The two of them have worked in tandem to help the team reach the final of the tournament. The La Liga giants are now plotting to rekindle that relationship at club level. Yamal also also expressed a desire to see his good friend at Camp Nou this summer.
Williams is not short of options this year, with Arsenal and Chelsea reportedly hot on his heels as well. However, Barcelona have apparently reached an agreement on personal terms with the 22-year-old by promising him regular game time.
The Catalans are now preparing to hold talks with Bilbao to script a move this summer. The Basque club reportedly want €58m for their prized asset, and the Blaugrana are eager to get a deal across the line as soon as Euro 2024 ends.
Catalans close to signing Joao Cancelo
Barcelona are a step away from securing the services of Joao Cancelo, according to SPORT. The Portuguese full-back spent last season on loan at Camp Nou from Manchester City and left a lasting impression at the club.
The Catalans remain keen to bring him back ahead of the new campaign. City were previously holding out for a permanent deal, but have warmed up to a second loan deal.
Cancelo has reportedly turned down offers to move to Serie A this summer. City apparently want €25m to let him go, which, coupled with the player's high wages is proving to be a dealbreaker for his suitors. The 30-year-old has his heart set on a return to the La Liga giants.
The Premier League champions have now surrendered to the player's wishes and are ready to let him join Barcelona. The Catalans are in financial distress and are pushing for a loan move with an option to buy next year. However, City want a purchase obligation in the temporary deal.
Barcelona face competition for Joao Felix
Barcelona face competition from Fenerbahce and Aston Villa for the services of Joao Felix, according to Mundo Deportivo. The Portuguese forward's future has been subject to speculation all summer.
The player spent last season on loan with the Catalans from Atletico Madrid, registering ten goals and six assists from 44 games. The La Liga giants are open to his stay at Camp Nou, but their financial situation has raised questions about the deal.
Felix has no future at the Civitas Metropolitan Stadium, owing to his strained relationship with Diego Simeone. Los Rojiblancos are eager to let him go this summer and it now appears that the Blaugrana are not the only ones eyeing the 24-year-old.
Aston Villa have gone from strength to strength under Unai Emery in recent times and have turned to Felix to bolster their attack. Meanwhile, Fenerbahce are also eager to secure the 24-year-old's signature this summer. A move to the Middle East cannot be ruled out either.
However, the player would prefer to return to Camp Nou before the new campaign. The move could now depend on Barcelona's financial situation and their new manager Hansi Flick.
