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Barcelona registered a 2-0 win over Osasuna at the Al-Awwal Stadium in Riyadh on Thursday (January 11) in the Spanish Supercup semifinal. Robert Lewandowski and Lamine Yamal found the back of the set to set up a final rematch with Real Madrid on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha dreams of playing at the Camp Nou. Elsewhere, on-loan Atletico Madrid attacker Joao Felix has been backed to succeed with the Catalans.
On that note, here's a look at the key Barcelona transfer stories as on January 12, 2024:
Joao Palhinha wants Camp Nou move
Joao Palhinha deals of wearing the Barcelona shirt, according to SPORT. The Portuguese midfielder has taken his game to a higher level since arriving at Fulham a couple of years ago.
He was on the cusp of joining Bayern Munich this summer, before the move broke down at the final hurdle. Palhinha has since signed a new contract with the Cottagers, but speculation regarding his future continues.
The Blaugrana are interested in the 28-year-old as they look to address their midfield conundrum. A new defensive midfielder is on Xavi's agenda following the departure of the legendary Sergio Busquets last summer. Palhinha has proven his worth at Craven Cottage this season, starting 20 of 21 games across competitions.
His efforts have struck a chord with the La Liga champions, and it now appears that the Portuguese also dreams of moving to the Camp Nou. However, Fulham want €60 million for their prized asset, which could be a deal breaker for Barcelona.
Joao Felix backed to succeed with Barcelona
Barcelona vice-president Rafael Yuste is confident that Joao Felix will come good at the Camp Nou.
The Portuguese forward arrived at the club last summer on a season-long loan from Atletico Madrid but has blown hot and cold. Felix has appeared 23 times across competitions, registering six goals and four assists.
His lack of consistency has been a cause for concern, with journalist Jose Alvarez recently saying that the 23-year-old is not part of Xavi's plans for next season. Ahead of Thursday's game with Osasuna, as cited by Barca Universal, Yuste said that Felix is happy with the Blaugrana.
"I see Joao Felix happy, whether he is a starter or not. It’s not easy to manage a team like this, but I’m convinced he’s going to succeed at our club," said Yuste.
The Barcelona vice-president added that the club are very happy with Xavi's efforts so far.
"We are very happy with Xavi and his entire group. How he creates a group is not easy. How he brings together the youngsters with the most experienced and how he endures this pressure, that is always there in Barcelona.
"Xavi has been saying this for many days. This is a team that is developing. He is very happy with the group. I have been with all of them these days," said Yuste.
Xavi won the league and Spanish Supercup last season and is one win away from defending the latter title.
Barcelona open to Ronald Araujo exit
Barcelona are willing to listen to offers for Ronald Araujo this summer, according to journalist Sique Rodriguez.
The Uruguayan defender is subject of an intense pursuit from Bayern Munich, who have identified him as the ideal candidate to bolster their backline. According to Que T'hi Jugues, the Bavarians are willing to offer €100 million for his signature.
Araujo remains committed to the Blaugrana, having signed a new contract last year till 2026. He's also one of the club captains and recently said that he's happy at the La Liga champions.
Sporting director Deco is eager to keep the player at the Camp Nou as well, but the club's finance staff want to offload him to address their accounts. However, a move away from the club is unlikely to materialise this year.
