Barcelona Transfer News Roundup: La Liga approve Wojciech Szczesny move, Catalans face Nico Williams competition, and more - September 30, 2024

Barcelona are putting together final preparations ahead of their upcoming UEFA Champions League tie against Young Boys at home on October 1. Hansi Flick's team arrive at the game on the back of a 4-2 defeat at the hands of Osasuna in the league.

Meanwhile, La Liga have approved the Catalans' pursuit of Wojciech Szczesny. Elsewhere, the Spanish giants will face competition from the Premier League for Nico Williams.

On that note, let's look at the major Barcelona transfer stories from September 30, 2024.

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La Liga approve Wojciech Szczesny move

La Liga have given their green signal to Barcelona's request to sign Wojciech Szczesny, according to Mundo Deportivo. The Catalans have already identified the Polish custodian as the ideal replacement for Marc-Andre ter Stegen at Camp Nou.

The German goalkeeper is now sidelined for the rest of the season after undergoing surgery to address a knee injury. The La Liga giants wanted to bring in a free agent to help out backup goalkeeper Inaki Pena and have found their man in Szczesny.

The 34-year-old terminated his contract with Juventus this summer and decided to call time on his career last month. However, Barcelona have convinced him to come out of retirement for a swan song at Camp Nou.

Recent reports have suggested that the Catalans have already struck a deal with the Pole. The move was delayed owing to some technical issues involving La Liga's rules, but the club have now received a clearance from the league.

The Spanish giants have been allowed to exercise Article 77 to register a new goalkeeper in lieu of Ter Stegen's injury. The clause states that clubs can sign a replacement for a player who is sidelined for four months or more due to serious injury. Barcelona sent Ter Stegen's reports to La Liga for verification, and after assessment by four doctors, their proposal was accepted.

Barcelona face Nico Williams competition

Manchester United have entered the race to sign Nico Williams, according to Fichajes.net. Barcelona heavily courted the Spanish forward this summer but he ended up staying with Athletic Bilbao.

The Catalans are expected to return for the 22-year-old at the end of this season, but they will now face competition from the Red Devils for his services. The Premier League giants are looking to strengthen their attack, especially the wide areas, and see Williams as a superb option.

Manchester United's interest could spell trouble for the La Liga giants, who don't have the finances to compete with the English side. The Spaniard reportedly has a £48m release clause in his deal, which won't be a problem for the Red Devils.

Ansu Fati not part of Catalans' plans

Hansi Flick doesn't consider Ansu Fati as part of his plans at Barcelona, according to Mundo Deportivo. The Spanish forward has struggled for game time under the German manager, registering just two minutes of first-team action so far.

Once considered the rightful heir to Lionel Messi at Camp Nou, Fati has seen his stocks plummet in recent times. Injuries and lack of form have pushed him out of the Catalans' plans. The 21-year-old spent last season on loan at Brighton & Hove Albion and failed to strike a chord. He contributed four goals and one assist in 27 appearances for the Seagulls.

Fati was quite impressive in pre-season training under Flick, prompting talks of a resurgence with the La Liga giants. However, another injury derailed his efforts, as he missed out on the club's pre-season tour.

Since returning to full fitness, Fati has largely been forced to watch from the sidelines as his teammates ran riot. It now appears that his time at Barcelona could be coming to an end. The Spaniard is under contract at Camp Nou until 2027.