Barcelona Transfer News Roundup: Catalans suffer Nico Williams blow, club offer €65m for Bundesliga ace, and more - August 1, 2024

Barcelona are working to add more quality to their squad following a disappointing 2023/24 campaign under Xavi. The Spanish tactician has since been removed from the job, with Hansi Flick taking over at Camp Nou at the end of the season.

Meanwhile, the Catalans have suffered a huge blow in their efforts to secure Nico Williams' signature this summer. Elsewhere, the La Liga giants have submitted an improved offer for a Bundesliga midfielder.

On that note, let's look at the major Barcelona transfer stories from August 1, 2024.

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Barcelona suffer Nico Williams blow

Nico Williams has turned down a move to Barcelona this summer, according to The Athletic. The Catalans had made the Spanish forward their priority target this summer and were pushing to secure his services.

It was also reported that the club had submitted an offer to the player's camp, which was accepted by his agent. The La Liga giants were awaiting the green signal from Williams and were even willing to trigger his €58m release clause.

However, it now appears that Williams has decided to stay with Athletic Bilbao in the upcoming campaign. The 22-year-old was instrumental in the Basque club's Copa del Rey triumph last season. He finished the campaign with eight goals and 19 assists from 37 games across competitions.

Williams was also a vital part of La Roja squad that won Euro 2024, and caught the imagination of clubs across the continent this summer. Barcelona sporting director Deco skipped the pre-season tour to try and take the 22-year-old to Camp Nou.

However, it now appears that their efforts have been in vain. The Spaniard hasn't communicated his decision to the Catalans yet, but it is now expected that he will continue his stay at San Mames.

Catalans offer €65m for Dani Olmo

Barcelona have submitted an improved offer for Dani Olmo, according to SPORT. The Catalans are now focussing all their energy on securing their former player after faltering in their pursuit of Nico Williams.

The La Liga giants have already submitted an opening offer of €60m for the 25-year-old, which includes €40m upfront and €20m in add-ons. They had proposed a payment structure of €10m in instalments starting from January 2025. However, the proposal was turned down by RB Leipzig.

Barcelona have now returned with a revised offer of €65 to convince the Bundesliga side. They are offering €50m upfront, with a further €15m in achievable add-ons and the latest payment structure is also believed to be far more realistic.

The Catalans are hoping that their latest proposal will convince their German counterparts. The La Liga giants have already agreed personal terms with the Spaniard, and Hansi Flick apparently sees him as a vital cog in his tactics.

Raphinha turns down massive Saudi offer

Raphinha has rejected a three-year deal worth €60m to move to the Middle East this summer, according to SPORT. The Brazilian's future has been subject to speculation all summer, with the player no longer indispensable at Camp Nou.

Raphinha scored ten goals and set up 13 more from 37 games across competitions. However, he is behind Lamine Yamal in the pecking order at Barcelona.

The Catalans are ready to let him go this summer to address their finances and the player has been generating interest from Saudi Arabia. It is now reportedly that Al Nassr approached the 27-year-old with a massive contract.

The club from the Middle East were even willing to offer the La Liga giants €100m for the Raphinha. However, the Brazilian made it clear that he had no desire to leave Barcelona this summer. He wants to stay and fight for his place under Hansi Flick.