Barcelona Transfer News Roundup: Catalans open to Frenkie de Jong exit, Wojciech Szczesny announcement delayed, and more - September 29, 2024

Barcelona succumbed to a 4-2 defeat at the hands of Osasuna at El Sadar on Saturday, September 28, in La Liga. Goals from Pau Victor and Lamine Yamal proved to be a mere consolation as Hansi Flick's team ended their golden run in the league.

Meanwhile, the Catalans are ready to offload Frenkie de Jong next summer. Elsewhere, the Spanish giants' plans to announce Wojciech Szczesny's arrival at Camp Nou have been delayed.

On that note, let's look at the major Barcelona transfer stories from September 29, 2024.

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Barcelona open to Frenkie de Jong exit

Barcelona are ready to part ways with Frenkie de Jong at the end of this season, according to Football Transfers. The Catalans have run out of patience with the Dutchman, who is yet to kick a ball this season. The 27-year-old remains sidelined with an ankle injury at the moment.

Recent reports have suggested that Manchester City have identified him as a possible replacement for Rodri. The Spanish midfielder is out for the rest of the season after picking up an ACL injury.

The Premier League champions apparently want De Jong to take his place and the La Liga giants are ready to oblige. The report adds that Barcelona are even willing to clear all of the Dutchman's dues in order to speed up his exit.

De Jong is one of the biggest earners at the Camp Nou, and his contract expires in 2026. The Catalans are pushing for his departure to free up wages for potential marquee signings in the future.

Wojciech Szczesny announcement delayed

Barcelona's plans to announce Wojciech Szczesny's arrival at the Camp Nou has been delayed due to technical difficulties, according to journalist Miguel Rico. The Catalans have already identified the Pole as a possible replacement for Marc-Andre ter Stegen, who is out for the season with a knee injury that required surgery.

Szczesny had decided to retire last month after terminating his contract with Juventus. However, he has opted to wear the gloves again to help out the La Liga giants.

The 34-year-old is a highly experienced campaigner, having also spent time at Arsenal and AS Roma during his career. Recent reports have suggested that he has already reached an agreement with Barcelona, although an official confirmation is pending.

It has now been revealed that the move is delayed due to technical issues involving La Liga's rules and regulations. The Catalans are now working to address the matter, which is apparently an outcome of their poor finances. Once the situation is addressed, an announcement will be made.

Catalans ready to offload Ronald Araujo in January

Barcelona are willing to consider offers for Ronald Araujo in January, according to SPORT. The Uruguayan defender is currently out with an injury and isn't expected to return before the turn of the year.

The 25-year-old was vital for the Catalans last season, registering 37 appearances across competitions, all but four of which were starts. However, the La Liga giants were open to his departure this summer, amid interest from Bayern Munich and Manchester United.

Araujo ended up staying after picking up an injury, and his relationship with Barcelona has now turned frosty. The player's contract expires in 2026, and the club are yet to offer him a new deal. In fact, the Catalans are even ready to cash in on him at the turn of the year for a proper fee.

The La Liga giants are still in financial distress and may have to turn to player sales in 2025 to ease their situation. Araujo's departure could help their cause. For now, the Uruguayan remains focused on regaining his fitness.