Not only the German record champions are planning a major shake-up in the summer, but FC Barcelona could also make fundamental changes to their squad in the upcoming transfer period. The Catalans can look back on a season with no prospect of winning the league title and a defeat in the CL quarter-finals. The planned upheaval at the Spanish club could now also affect FC Bayern.
As the Spanish newspaper SPORT reports, FC Barcelona are preparing a major shake-up in the summer. The club is planning to sell three of its key players – Raphinha, Ronald Araujo and Frenkie de Jong – for a profit. The club would probably like to sign Nico Williams (Atletico Bilbao), Bernardo Silva (Manchester City) and Bayern star Joshua Kimmich as replacements. The Catalans‘ transfer plans could therefore also involve the German record champions.
In particular, the fact that Barca coach Xavi Hernandez has decided to stay with the Catalans after all could get the ball rolling again on a Kimmich transfer. Hernandez had already declared Kimmich a transfer target for the Catalans last summer. On the other hand, the German international has often described Xavi as a role model in the past.
The 29-year-old’s contract expires in the summer of 2025, forcing those responsible at Munich to make a fundamental decision. This summer, they could still sell the leading player for a profit. So far, no talks between the two parties are said to have taken place. A departure in the summer is therefore by no means out of the question.
Will the Araujo flirtation become concrete again?
The Catalans‘ intention to sell centre-back Ronald Araujo could also affect the German record champions. Last winter, the Uruguayan was still considered unsellable when Bayern bosses declared him a transfer target. The fact that two centre-backs, Dayot Upamecano and Minjae Kim, are no longer considered untouchable could set the transfer flirtation in motion again this summer.
As the Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo reports, Munich are preparing a final offer for the 25-year-old. The defender himself is reportedly not averse to a move to the German record champions, especially as the Uruguayan is said to be offered an attractive salary package.
