Barcelona Transfer News Roundup: Chelsea eyeing Barca duo, club receive Mohamed Salah boost, and more - November 26, 2024
Barcelona host Stade Brestois at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys in the Champions League on Tuesday, November 26. Hansi Flick's team are sixth after four games with three wins and one defeat.
Meanwhile, Chelsea have set their sights on two defenders who play for the Catalan giants. Elsewhere, Barca have received a boost in their efforts to sign Mohamed Salah.
On that note, let's look at the major Barcelona transfer stories from November 26, 2024.
Chelsea eyeing Ronald Araujo and Jules Kounde
Chelsea have set their sights on Ronald Araujo and Jules Kounde, according to TEAMtalk. The Blues are apparently planning to move for the Barcelona duo as early as January.
The London giants have been on the rise under Enzo Maresca, but believe that the backline needs extra attention in the winter transfer window. Araujo and Kounde have been identified as targets and Chelsea are willing to offer £125m for them at the turn of the year.
Araujo has long been linked with an exit from Camp Nou and is recovering from an injury. The LaLiga giants could be open to his departure to address their financial woes.
Meanwhile, Jules Kounde has been integral to Hansi Flick's plans at Barcelona so far. As such, the Catalan giants may not be too eager to let the Frenchman leave.
Barcelona receive Mohamed Salah boost
Mohamed Salah has revealed that he hasn't received a contract renewal offer from Liverpool. The Egyptian superstar has entered the final year of his contract with the Reds and is yet to extend his stay at Anfield.
According to recent reports, Barcelona are keeping a close eye on his situation. Barca have an enviable attack at their disposal but believe Salah can help them hit a higher gear.
Speaking recently, as cited by acclaimed journalist Fabrizio Romano, the 32-year-old hinted that he could have one foot out of Anfield.
"I’m probably more out than in. I didn’t receive any proposal. We’re almost in December and I haven’t received any offers yet to stay in the club. I’m probably more out than in,” said Salah.
Salah has registered 223 goals and 99 assists from 367 games across competitions for Liverpool.
Inigo Martinez not thinking about renewal
Inigo Martinez has insisted that he is not worried about his contract situation at Barcelona. The Spanish defender has been a first-team regular under Hansi Flick this season, registering 17 appearances across competitions.
However, his contract is set to expire at the end of this season. Recent reports have stated that there's an automatic one-year renewal clause in his deal. The option will be triggered if the 33-year-old plays at least 45 minutes of 60 percent of Barca's games this season.
Speaking recently, however, Martinez insisted that he remains focused on giving his best for the LaLiga giants.
"I don't even think about it. It’s one of the things that can make you lose focus and not concentrate on what you have to do. I focus on my own thing and on the day to day and enjoy the opportunities,” said Martinez
"If it has to come, it will come and everyone will be happy. But I focus on competing at the maximum. If it doesn’t come, I’ll say that I’ve been at Barça for two years,” he continued.
Recent reports have suggested that Barcelona will take their time to decide on Martinez's future.
