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Barcelona are putting together final preparations ahead of their trip to the Santiago Bernabeu to face Real Madrid in La Liga on Sunday, April 21. Xavi will be keen to pick up a win to get over their disappointing defeat to PSG n midweek in the UEFA Champions League quarterfinal.
Meanwhile, the La Liga champions will face competition in their efforts to bring Dani Olmo to Camp Nou. Elsewhere, Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva is keen to join the Blaugrana.
On that note, here's a look at the key Barcelona transfer stories as on April 20, 2024:
Barcelona face Dani Olmo competition
Barcelona face competition from Bayern Munich and Manchester United in the race to sign Dani Olmo, according to Mundo Deportivo.
The Spanish midfielder has struggled with injuries this season, but his stock remains high. Olmo has registered eight goals and five assists in 22 outings across competitions this season for RB Leipzig and is a sought-after player ahead of the summer.
The Blaugrana are impressed by the 25-year-old's versatility and believe that he will be a valuable addition to the squad. The La Liga champions are already working to secure his services, but they are not his only suitors.
The Red Devils are apparently pushing to sign the Spaniard, while the Bavarians also want him at the Allianz Arena. Olmo's contract with the Bundesliga club runs till 2027, and he reportedly has a €60 million release clause in his deal.
That could put Barcelona on the back foot, with the club's financial situation crippling them in the transfer market.
Bernardo Silva wants Camp Nou move
Bernardo Silva is eager to join Barcelona this summer, according to Catalunya Radio.
The Blaugrana are long-term admirers of the Portuguese but have failed to make a move over the years owing to their financial woes. However, he could be available for €50 million at the end of this season and the La Liga giants remain interested.
Barcelona are hoping to add more creativity to their ranks this summer, and Silva could be an option. Joao Felix recently sparked rumours by saying that he has convinced his compatriot to move to the Camp Nou this summer.
It now appears that the 29-year-old is interested in joining the La Liga giants. His contract with Manchester City expires in 2026, and the player will have to come to a decision regarding his future at the end of the season.
Marc-Andre Ter Stegen hoping for Xavi's stay
Marc-Andre Ter Stegen wants Xavi to stay at Barcelona beyond this summer. The Spanish manager has announced that he will leave at the end of the season.
Multiple reports have suggested that the Blaugrana are searching for his replacement. However, it has also been mentioned that club president Joan Laporta wants Xavi to continue.
Speaking to DAZN, the German goalkeeper was full of praise for Xavi.
“I respect him a lot in general as a person and a coach, and as he was once a colleague of mine on the field, I have a lot of affection for him.
"We lived a lot of things together and of course, I hope he stays, but in the end, it is a decision that he must make, he must think about it well,” said Ter Stegen.
He continued:
“As for the club and him, it seems that they are in communication, and we hope that they will make the right decision for everyone and that the matter will end with everyone’s satisfaction. Of course, we will do everything we can to achieve success with him.”
Xavi won the La Liga and Supercopa de Espana titles last season.
