'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Barcelona lock horns with Real Madrid at the Al-Awwal Stadium in Riyadh on Sunday (January 14) in the Spanish Super Cup final. Manager Xavi will be determined to defend the trophy and pick up the first silverware of the season.
Meanwhile, the Blaugrana are interested in Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes. Elsewhere, the Spanish champions are trailing Atletico Madrid in the race to sign Feyenoord midfielder Mats Wieffer.
On that note, here's a look at the key Barcelona transfer stories as on January 13, 2024:
Barcelona eyeing Bruno Guimaraes
Barcelona are planning a player-plus-cash offer for Bruno Guimaraes, according to Globo Esporte.
The Brazilian midfielder has gone from strength to strength since joining Newcastle United from Lyon in January 2022. Guimaraes has established himself as one of the stars of St. James’ Park, turning heads at multiple clubs across the continent.
The 26-year-old has appeared 86 times across competitions for the Magpies, registering 11 goals and eight assists. The Blaugrana are keeping a close eye on his situation, amid the rising need for midfield reinforcements. The La Liga champions bid adieu to the legendary Sergio Busquets last summer and brought in Oriol Romeu to take his place.
However, the former Girona man has failed to live up to the billing, prompting Barcelona to head back to the market. Xavi wants a long-term replacement for Busquets, and Guimaraes has popped up on his radar. The Brazilian has displayed qualities that have endeared him to the Camp Nou hierarchy.
They are not the 26-year-old’s only suitors, though, with TNT Sports reporting that Paris Saint-Germain are also hot on his heels. However, Newcastle have no desire to let Guimaraes go and could only consider his departure if a suitor triggers his €115 million release clause.
The Blaugrana don’t have the resources to finance such a deal and are hoping to initiate a part-exchange to get their man, but the Magpies are unlikely to entertain such a proposal.
Blaugrana lagging behind in Mats Wieffer pursuit
Barcelona have fallen behind Atletico Madrid in the race to sign Mats Wieffer, according to SPORT.
The Dutch midfielder has been impressive with Feyenoord this season, registering three goals and two assists in 23 outings across competitions. While he's naturally a defensive midfielder, Wieffer is capable of carrying out various role in the middle of the park.
The Blaugrana’s search for midfield reinforcements has been well documented. They are pushing to bring in a new face to help deal with the absence of Gavi. The Spaniard picked up an ACL injury in November and is not expected to return to action this campaign. Meanwhile, Pedri and Frenkie de Jong have also struggled with injuries.
Barcelona want to rope in Wieffer to address the situation this month, but Los Rojiblancos have taken the lead in the race. Feyenoord want €20-30 million for the 24-year-old, which is posing a problem for the Blaugrana, given their poor finances.
Mikayil Faye turns down Girona
Mikayil Faye has turned down advances from Girona in favour of a stay at the Camp Nou, according to journalist Santi Aouna.
The Senegalese defender is highly rated in the youth ranks at Barcelona and has generated attention from clubs in the country. High-flying Girona, fighting tooth and nail with Real Madrid for the La Liga title, are keen to bring him on loan this month.
They even approached the 19-year-old regarding a move, but he has turned them down. Deportivo Alaves also have their eyes on Faye, but he wants to stay with the Blaugrana and continue his development.
The Senegalese joined the club last year and has earned rave reviews with Barcelona Atletic this season. He has appeared 16 times for the reserve side and is already tipped to have a great future.
