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Barcelona suffered a 1-4 defeat at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) on Tuesday, April 16, in the Champions League quarterfinals second leg. Xavi’s men lost the tie 6-4 on aggregate and bowed out of the tournament this week.
Meanwhile, the Catalans are interested in Thiago Alcantara. Elsewhere, the club are not planning a move for Dani Olmo.
On that note, let’s take a look at the major Barcelona transfer stories from April 18, 2024.
Barcelona eyeing Thiago Alcantara
Barcelona are planning to move for Thiago Alcantara this summer, according to Football Insider. The Spanish midfielder is a forgotten man at Liverpool and his contract at Anfield expires at the end of this season. The Reds are unlikely to hand him a new deal and the Catalans are keeping a close eye on the situation.
The La Liga champions are looking for a pivot midfielder this summer and Thiago could be a fine choice for the job. His availability on a Bosman move also makes the player an enticing option for the club. Thiago rose through the ranks at Camp Nou and his experience could be a good addition to a relatively young squad.
Catalans not planning Dani Olmo move
Barcelona are not interested in Dani Olmo, according to SPORT. The Spanish midfielder is a wanted man ahead of the summer, following an impressive run with RB Leipzig. This season, he has struggled with injuries but has still managed to register eight goals and five assists from 22 games in all competitions. Recent reports have suggested that the Catalans are eyeing him with interest, but it now appears that the player is no longer in their plans.
The 25-year-old reportedly has a €60m release clause in his contract and the Bundesliga club are ready to let him leave this year. However, the La Liga giants have ended their pursuit of the Spaniard as he is beyond their budget this summer.
Ronald Araujo confirms renewal talks
Ronald Araujo has confirmed that Barcelona are in talks with his entourage regarding a new deal. The Uruguayan defender is highly rated in the European circuit and the Catalans are keen to end speculation regarding his future. Bayern Munich were eager to sign the player in January this year, and could return for him at the end of the season.
Speaking to the press, as cited by Barca Universal, Araujo insisted that he is happy at Camp Nou.
“The truth is that it’s going well. The club has started talks with my agents. We are thinking about these games and what remains of the season. And when the season is over, they will sit down and talk,” said Araujo.
Araujo continued:
“The future is always talked about, and it will be like that every year, but I am very happy in Barcelona, my family is happy here. I show it on the field by giving my all, and I will fight until the end for Barcelona to return to what it has always been.”
Araujo’s early red card against PSG in the Champions League quarterfinals second leg cost his club dearly as they crashed out of the tournament.
