Barcelona Transfer News Roundup: Catalans offered Darwin Nunez, Newcastle United want Raphinha, and more - May 20, 2024

Barcelona registered a 3-0 win over Rayo Vallecano at home on Sunday, May 19, in La Liga. Robert Lewandowski opened the scoring before Pedri scored a brace to earn all three points for Xavi's team.

Meanwhile, the Catalans have been handed the opportunity to secure the services of Darwin Nunez this summer. Elsewhere, Newcastle United are planning to take Raphinha back to the Premier League.

On that note, let's look at the major Barcelona transfer stories from May 20, 2024.

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Barcelona offered Darwin Nunez

Darwin Nunez

Barcelona have been offered the chance to sign Darwin Nunez on loan this summer, according to Todo Fichajes. The Uruguayan forward has been linked with a move to Camp Nou in recent times. Nunez has been in fine form with Liverpool this season, registering 18 goals and 13 assists from 54 games in all competitions. The Catalans are pleased with his efforts and apparently view him as a long-term replacement for the aging Robert Lewandowski.

However, Nunez is under contract with the Merseyside club until 2028, and the La Liga giants do not have the finances to script a big-money move. The player's agent, Jorge Mendes, has now proposed a temporary move this year. The Reds are apparently willing to let the 24-year-old go as they look to revamp the squad this summer. They could be tempted to sanction a loan move, which could help get the player's stock up ahead of a possible permanent exit in the future.

Newcastle United want Raphinha

Raphinha could leave Camp Nou this summer

Newcastle United have set their sights on Raphinha, according to TEAMTALK. The Brazilian forward's future at Barcelona is up in the air, with the club reportedly ready to cash in on him this summer. Raphinha has blown hot and cold since arriving at Camp Nou from Leeds United in 2022, but his stock remains high. The Magpies are planning to take him back to the Premier League at the end of this season.

Newcastle are not the 27-year-old's only suitors, with Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United also eyeing him with interest. However, the Magpies are leading the race for the Brazilian for now. The Catalans apparently want €55m to let him go and the Magpies may have to offload players to secure a deal in accordance with FFP norms.

Xavi hoping to continue at Camp Nou, says Fabrizio Romano

Xavi Hernandez

Xavi is optimistic about remaining in charge at Camp Nou beyond this summer, according to acclaimed journalist Fabrizio Romano. The Spanish manager's future has once again been called into question following his recent comments regarding the club's affairs. Romano previously reported that Barcelona are furious with the manager and are even considering sacking him this summer. The transfer guru has now provided an upgrade on the entire episode.

In his column for Caught Offside, Romano added that the situation will become clear once Xavi sits down with club president Joan Laporta.

“Xavi has addressed speculation about his future, with so much back and forth over whether or not he’s going to be staying on as Barcelona manager. This situation will be clear as soon as Xavi will speak to Joan Laporta," wrote Romano.

He continued:

"The president didn’t tell him or his agent anything, but after the next game there will be a direct talk and we will understand what happens. For now, Xavi hasn’t been informed of anything, that’s why he keeps repeating that for him it’s all good – and he still hopes to be Barcelona manager for next season of course.”

Xavi is under contract at Camp Nou until 2025.