Latest FC Barcelona news of Tuesday 24th December 2024: Read on to learn up to the minute Barcelona news including transfer news, gossips, and rumours.
1.Barcelona Face Bayern Munich Competition for €60 million-rated Nico Williams
Even though Barcelona failed to sign Nico Williams from Athletic Club this past summer, the Catalans continue to hold an interest in the 22-year-old winger.
The Blaugrana are very much set to enter the market again next summer for a top-quality left-winger and have identified several players as potential targets.
Indeed, names like Rafael Leao, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Luis Diaz, and even Marcus Rashford are doing the rounds, but the Catalans have not forgotten about Nico, who himself would be open to a move to Barça in 2025.
However, things might not be straightforward for Barcelona as they are set to face competition in the race for Nico Williams. As has already been reported, there are a plethora of Premier League clubs willing to sign the UEFA Euro 2024 winner.
Now, Florian Plettenberg reports that Bundesliga record champions Bayern Munich are also monitoring Nico for the summer of 2025.
2.Barcelona Target Luis Diaz Not Planning Liverpool Exit
Over the past couple of weeks, reports have claimed that Barcelona have reignited their transfer interest in Liverpool winger Luis Diaz for the summer of 2025. Diaz, 27, was one of the Blaugrana’s targets to reinforce the left flank earlier this year but the move did not go through due to financial issues.
However, of late, it has been suggested that the Colombian international could look to leave Anfield due to contract talks getting stalled and that Barça would be his priority destination in that scenario. However, now, a report from Florian Plettenberg states that Luis Diaz is not at all considering a departure from Liverpool at this point.
The Colombian international, who was on target twice this past weekend in the win over Tottenham Hotspur, is understood to be happy and comfortable at the Merseyside club.
3.Dani Olmo Is Being Monitored by Several Top Clubs
The topic of Dani Olmo and Pau Victor’s registration in La Liga for the second half of the season has been dominating the headlines in Barcelona.
The 26-year-old attacking midfielder, along with his fellow summer signing, was only registered until December 31 at the start of the season and will need to be re-registered by January for the latter half of the campaign.
As has already been reported, there is a special clause in Dani Olmo’s contract which would allow him to leave Barcelona for free if he is not registered with La Liga.
As such, Mundo Deportivo now reports that several clubs across Europe have shown interest in the Spanish attacking midfielder’s situation at the Catalan club, which is understandable considering the quality of the player.
However, neither the player nor his agents are concerned about the situation or the interest from other clubs.
4.Ronald Araujo to Continue Barca Career
As reported earlier today, FC Barcelona have all but secured the contract renewals of key players Pedri and Gavi, both of whom have their current deals expiring in 2026. Another important player who belongs in the same category is captain and defensive mainstay Ronald Araujo.
The Uruguayan international, who has recently returned from a long-term injury absence, has 18 months left on his deal. Talks over an extension have taken place in the past but no significant progress has been achieved. However, things could be set to change in the weeks to come.
This is because, SPORT reports that Araujo is very much determined to stay put at Barcelona, leading to the player’s and the club’s position over a renewal getting closer and closer.
One of the most important players in the squad, the second captain has only recently made his way back from an injury that kept him out for more than five months.
5.Inaki Pena to be Handed Fresh Contract
As per the report, Barcelona are set to address Inaki Pena’s contract situation in the coming weeks. The goalkeeper’s current deal at the Catalan club expires in 2026. However, Barça are keen on extending his contract far beyond that period.
That is because Pena has done exceedingly well since the injury of Ter Stegen. He has stepped up to the plate and has often been a key differentiator between the sticks, and Barça are happy with his performances.
However, it is up to Inaki Pena to decide whether or not he wants to continue at Barcelona, especially given his iffy past at the club.
6.Thiago Alcantara’s Return to Barcelona to Delay
Thiago Alcantara had been expected to return to Barcelona in January and pick up where he left off as part of Hansi Flick’s coaching staff.
The former Barca star has remained in touch with the club after returning to England and was spotted in the crowd at the weekend with his brother Rafinha watching the team take on Atletico. However, he may not be heading back to the club in 2025 to work after all, according to a new update from Relevo.
The problem is that Thiago doesn’t have a coaching license and so will not be able to sit on the Barcelona bench. Yet Thiago is still “thinking about” a move back to Barcelona and hasn’t ruled out the possibility of returning in some capacity.
One theory is that he could continue his studies next year and then look to join the coaching staff next season when he has the requisite qualifications.
7.Barca Squad Wants to Win Trophy for Hansi Flick
Next month, Barcelona will have the opportunity to win their first trophy of the season. They take on Athletic Club in the Spanish Super Cup semi-final, and they would face Real Madrid or Mallorca in the final if they were to progress.
As per Diario AS, the first team’s squad position is clear ahead of the tournament: “we are playing for the first title of the season and we have to win it; we owe it to Hansi Flick.”
Barcelona need to bounce back quickly from this poor recent form, and the motivation of winning a trophy should be strong. However, it will be easier said than done to take home the spoils in Saudi Arabia.
8.Worrying Hansi Flick Stats in the Spotlight
Barcelona suffered five league defeats in 19 matches in the recent reverse against Atletico Madrid, matching the total losses Xavi’s team endured throughout last season.
That loss marked the fifth defeat in La Liga for the 2024-25 season, a statistic that now mirrors the total number of losses from last year under Xavi Hernández. Despite being only halfway through the campaign, the current number of defeats has already matched the same figure Barcelona experienced last season, when they finished second with 26 wins, seven draws, and five losses.
9.Christopher Nkunku Linked to Barca
Christopher Nkunku’s agent has reportedly offered Barcelona the chance to pursue a cut-price deal for the Chelsea forward.
The £52m recruit has failed to secure regular minutes under new manager Enzo Maresca, who has favoured Nicolas Jackson and kept the Frenchman as part of his second-string side used in the Conference League. Nkunku has struck five goals in as many games in the third-tier European competition.
According to SPORT, this lack of minutes has left Nkunku frustrated and keen to leave Chelsea, either on loan in January or on a permanent deal in the summer.
Nkunku’s agent, Pini Zahavi, has been tasked with finding a new club for the 27-year-old and has made contact with Barcelona. Zahavi has a strong bond with the Catalan outfit and has made it clear that Nkunku would be prepared to lower his salary to seal a move to Barcelona.
10.Pedri’s Motivational Message
The midfielder took to social media to share an uplifting message for all Barcelona fans after the result against Atlético.
Pedri González, one of the standout players in the recent Barcelona vs Atlético Madrid match, has shared an optimistic message with the club’s supporters. Despite a challenging run in which Barcelona has earned only five points from the last 21 available, the young midfielder is confident that there are still reasons to be hopeful for the near future.
“It’s time to channel frustration and turn it into motivation,” Pedri stated on his social media, sending a clear message to the fans. He emphasized the importance of using this break to reflect and recharge. “We’ll return with renewed energy and with the sole goal of improving and competing at the highest level,” he added.
READ ALSO:
Latest Real Madrid news of Tuesday 24th December 2024
EXCLUSIVE: Christopher Ennin set to be appointed head coach this Premier League club
2024/25 Ghana Premier League top scorers chart after Matchweek 14
2024 CHAN Qualifiers: Ghana 0 Nigeria 0 – Black Galaxies player ratings
Nations FC head coach Kasim Mingle reacts to missing key players to Black Galaxies of Ghana
Asante Kotoko Title Chances: Ogum’s men have started showing they are still serious contenders
2024/25 Ghana Premier League top scorers chart after Matchweek 14
Bechem United 1 Samartex 0 Match Report: Hunters extend winning streak with win over Timber Boys
EXCLUSIVE: Frederick Asare is unhappy sitting on Kotoko bench and is tipped to leave
TOP 15 : Ranking of the Ghanaian players with the most trophies won in European football and abroad
The 100 Greatest Ghana Premier League players of all time 2025
Discussion about this post