Relinquishing their La Liga crown last season and eventually parting ways with Xavi following more drama behind the scenes in Catalonia, Barcelona are still a club dealing with a string of public issues.
Appointing former Germany boss Hansi Flick last month, there has been plenty of speculation on which Barca superstars could be forced out of the Nou Camp exit.
Watching La Masia academy graduate Marc Guiu complete a £5million move to Chelsea this week, it has been suggested that more Barca stars could be set for a Premier League switch this summer.
With the hierarchy in Catalonia making it clear that they are intent on once again splashing their number wage bill, some of the big name stars are attracting plenty of English interest.
Ronald Araujo
With a host of Premier League heavyweights in the market for a new central defender this summer, Ronald Araujo has certainly attracted plenty of interest over the past few months.
Although Barcelona might have stated that they wish to keep the Uruguayan defender ahead of the 2024/25 campaign, Araujo is reportedly open to a move away from Catalonia.
Away with Uruguay at this summer’s Copa America, the 25-year-old was named in last season’s La Liga Team of the Year and has quickly established himself as one of Europe’s hottest defensive stars.
Watching German giants Bayern Munich fail with an audacious swoop during January’s transfer window, The Metro are reporting that both Manchester United and Chelsea have placed Araujo on their summer shortlist.
However, while there might be plenty of speculation that Barca could be forced to part with their defensive talisman, Mundo Deportivo have suggested that the Catalonia hierarchy have placed a €100million price tag on the 19-cap international.
Ronald Araujo was the highest rated centre-back (7.73) in the #CopaAmerica group stage. 🧱 pic.twitter.com/vqRhIZw4jp
— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) July 3, 2024
Raphinha
Completing what was a sensational move from Leeds in the summer of 2022 in a deal worth £49million, Raphinha has gained plenty of plaudits from around the Now Camp and has reiterated his desire to stay to stay put in Catalonia.
Nevertheless, although the 27-year-old might have opened his Copa America account while away with Brazil earlier in the week, Raphinha faces plenty of questions over his long-term future with the Spanish giants.
Although the one-time Rennes starlet might have recorded 15 La Liga goal contributions last season, Raphinha has reportedly accepted that he could be pushed out of the Nou Camp exit in an attempt to balance the books.
With Barca keen on snapping up the red-hot Nico Williams this summer, the Brazilian international is seen as one of the most likely options to leave Catalonia and a speedy return to the Premier League could be on the cards.
Reports over the past week that Newcastle have already reached out to Barca and are planning a summer swoop for the 26-cap international after Eddie Howe identified the Barcelona star as a standout target.
RAPHINHA WITH A STUNNING FREE KICK TO PUT BRAZIL AHEAD OF COLOMBIA 😱 pic.twitter.com/5kpbil5ns3
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) July 3, 2024
Ferran Torres
Although Ferran Torres might have followed Raphinha in publicly stating that he has no interest in leaving Catalonia this summer, there has been plenty of speculation that the Spanish international child be pushed out of the Non Camp exit.
Making the move from Premier League record-breakers Manchester City back in the winter of 2021 for a reported fee of £46.3million, Torres struggled to find a regular starting spot under Xavi last season.
Although the former Valencia starlet might have announced that he is fully focused on a future with the Spanish icons, he could find regular opportunities hard to come by next year and an immediate Premier League return could be on the cards.
While title chasers Arsenal have been heavily linked with a move for the 44-cap international over the past six months, both Newcastle and Aston Villa have emerged as the more likely destinations ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.
Along with reports that Villa boss Unai Emery has identified Torres as a standout option this summer, there was speculation last month that Newcastle have already reached out to Barca and opened initial conversations.
🦈 Every. Single. Ferran Torres goal from the 2023-24 season. #LaLigaHighlights pic.twitter.com/S0ZXh452jb
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) July 2, 2024
- Soccer News Like
- Be the first of your friends!
