Barcelona Transfer News Roundup: Catalans receive Joao Cancelo boost, club suffer Dani Olmo setback, and more - July 12, 2024

Barcelona endured a difficult 2023/24 campaign under Xavi, finishing second in the league and failing to win silverware. The Catalans opted to part ways with the Spanish manager at the end of the season and appointed Hansi Flick as his successor.

Recently, the Catalans have received some good news in their pursuit of Joao Cancelo. Elsewhere, the La Liga giants have suffered a blow in their attempts to bring Dani Olmo back to Camp Nou.

On that note, let's look at the major Barcelona transfer stories from July 12, 2024.

---

Barcelona receive Joao Cancelo boost

Manchester City are willing to allow Joao Cancelo to leave for €20m this summer, according to SPORT. The Portuguese spent last season on loan at Barcelona and was quite impressive.

Cancelo registered four goals and five assists from 42 games across competitions. The Catalans are pleased with his efforts and are keen to have him back ahead of the new campaign.

The 30-year-old has a strained relationship with Pep Guardiola and will be allowed to leave this year. City were previously holding out for €30m to allow the Portuguese to leave this summer, but have now softened their stance.

However, their quoted amount isn't enticing enough for the La Liga giants, who are in financial distress. The club would still prefer a second loan spell with an option to buy.

Barcelona are confident that they can secure Cancelo at their terms, given that Cancelo has eyes only for a move to Camp Nou. They are also optimistic that City's desperation to offload the player will eventually play into their hands.

Catalans suffer Dani Olmo setback

Bayern Munich are leading the race to sign Dani Olmo this summer, according to Mundo Deportivo. The Spanish midfielder is expected to be on the move this summer and is apparently on Barcelona's wish list as well.

The Catalans are looking to drown the disappointments of last season and start anew under Hansi Flick. The German manager is making key changes to his roster and reportedly wants Olmo at Camp Nou.

The former La Masia graduate registered eight goals and five assists from 25 games across competitions last season for RB Leipzig. He has also been impressive for La Roja at Euro 2024, scoring three goals and setting up two more from five games.

His performances have convinced the La Liga giants to consider a return this summer. However, the Bavarians have taken the lead in the race at the moment. Olmo is also wanted by Liverpool and Chelsea, while Barcelona's poor financial situation is likely to affect their pursuit of their former player.

Former player wants Nico Willams at Camp Nou

Barcelona legend Andreas Iniesta believes Nico Williams can improve Hansi Flick's team. The Spanish forward is hot property this summer following his exploits with Athletic Bilbao.

Williams scored eight times and set up 19 more from 37 games last season, playing a starring role in the club's Copa Del Rey triumph. He has also been decisive with La Roja at Euro 2024, powering them to the final of the tournament.

Recent reports have suggested that the Catalans have set their sights on the 22-year-old, who apparently has a €58m release clause in his deal. It has also been rumoured that the Spanish giants have agreed personal terms with the player ahead of the move.

Speaking recently, as cited by Mundo Deportivo, Iniesta was also full of praise for the Spanish national team.

“The level they are showing with the National Team [is impressive]. We talk about Nico or Lamine but we can talk about Fabián, Rodri, Dani Olmo… anyone,” said Iniesta.

He continued:

“Nico Williams has also had a fantastic season at his club, it is a name that surely sounds for the big teams. It is undeniable that the signing of Nico Williams would add another level to Barcelona but let’s see what happens.”

Iniesta went on to speak highly of teenager sensation Lamine Yamal, who has been in sizzling form for club and country of late.

“It is extraordinary and surprising, because of his age and because it is not normal in football. But considering the season he enjoyed at Barça, he has already been someone who is different,” said Iniesta.

He concluded:

“I hope he can play a great final because he is a decisive player. He has his whole life ahead of him to continue growing, but today, delighted that he is performing at the level he is doing it.”

Yamal has already formed a steady partnership with Williams at Euro 2024, and has expressed a desire to see his countryman at Camp Nou.