Barcelona Transfer News Roundup: Blaugrana end pursuit of Bayern Munich duo; club eyeing Jonathan Tah, and more - October 18, 2024
Barcelona return to action in La Liga on Sunday, October 20, when they face Sevilla at the Estadio Olimpic Lluis Companys. Hansi Flick's team arrive at the game in blistering form, having won eight of their nine outings.
Meanwhile, the Blaugrana have ended their pursuit of the Bayern Munich duo of Joshua Kimmich and Leroy Sane, whose contracts expire in 2025. Elsewhere, the Spanish giants have retained their interest in Bayer Leverkusen defender Jonathan Tah.
On that note, here's a look at the key Barcelona transfer stories as on October 18, 2024.
Barcelona end pursuit of Bayern Munich duo
Barcelona have pulled the plug on their pursuit of Joshua Kimmich and Leroy Sane, according to Mundo Deportivo. The Bayern Munich duo are in the final year of their contracts but haven't agreed an extension yet.
Kimmich remains one of the finest defensive midfielders in the world. He has appeared 399 times for the Bavarians, registering 42 goals and 106 assists.
It was previously believed that the Blaugrana had zeroed in on him as the ideal replacement for Sergio Busquets, who left in 2023. However, it appears that the La Liga giants are ready to put their trust in Marc Casado and Marc Bernal.
Meanwhile, Sane has also popped up on Barcelona's radar recently. The player's contract situation also makes him an enticing prospect for the Blaugrana. However, Raphinha and Lamine Yamal's form has apparently convinced the club to pass on the opportunity to sign the German forward.
Blaugrana eyeing Jonathan Tah
Barcelona remain hot on the heels of Jonathan Tah, according to Mundo Deportivo. The German defender's contract with Bayer Leverkusen expires in the summer of 2025, and he has decided that he won't sign a new deal.
Tah has been rock-solid at the back for the Bundesliga champions recently. He played a key role in the team's success in the 2023-24 campaign, where they won the domestic double without losing a game. The 28-year-old appeared 48 times last season across competitions for Leverkusen, chipping in with six goals.
The Blaugrana are convinced that Jonathan Tah would sort out their defence for the next few years and want to invest in the German in 2025. With Ronald Araujo and Andreas Christensen's future up in the air, the German's arrival could be a strategic signing for the La Liga giants.
Barcelona interested in Reinildo Mandava
Barcelona have set their sights on Reinildo Mandava, according to Mundo Deportivo. The La Liga giants are eager to add more competition to the left-back area in 2025.
Alejandro Balde remains the only real option for Flick at the position, with Gerard Martin yet to establish himself. Reinildo, who's in the final year of his contract with Atletico Madrid, has emerged as a target.
The Mozambican left-back has been in Los Rojiblancos' books for more than four seasons and could be an interesting option. The 30-year-old has appeared 84 times across competitions for the Madrid-based club, registering two goals and one assist.
The Blaugrana would ideally like to sign Bayern Munich's Alphonso Davies but are aware that winning that race might not be easy, so they have identified Reinildo as an alternative to the Canadian.
