Barcelona are having a busy summer transfer window. Aside from their much-publicised pursuit of Robert Lewandowski, they are also dealing with the potential sale of midfielder Frenkie de Jong to Manchester United.
And Barca also appear set to do more business with another Manchester club, Man City, as they apparently have their sights set on bringing Bernardo Silva to La Liga as de Jong’s replacement.
Elsewhere, Antonio Rudiger reveals he signed for Real Madrid amid interest from rivals Barca while young Brazilian superstar Vinicius Jr looks set to sign a new long-term deal for the reigning European champions.
Read on as SBOTOP shares the latest news and updates surrounding the Spanish top flight.
Barcelona brace for new Man United bid for Frenkie de Jong
Manchester United are not giving up their chase for Frenkie de Jong. The Red Devils are reportedly set to submit a new proposal to Barcelona in the coming days after their opening bid of €60 million for the Dutch midfielder was turned down.
According to top football insider Fabrizio Romano, the talks between the two clubs have entered the “key stages” and United have their full focus on signing Frenkie.
Despite the arrival of former Ajax manager Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford, de Jong publicly stated that Barcelona was his “dream club” and that he preferred to stay.
Nevertheless, United appear determined in their pursuit of de Jong as they look to strengthen their midfield ahead of next season.
Barca eye Man City’s Bernardo Silva as Frenkie replacement
As the de Jong transfer saga continues to develop, Barcelona appear to have an ideal replacement lined up should the Dutchman depart.
Barca are reportedly interested in bringing Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva to the Camp Nou.
Xavi is reportedly a big fan of Silva’s and has the City star at the top of his wish list should they decide to sell de Jong.
When asked about Barca’s interest in Silva, Pep Guardiola replied: “As of today, I think Bernardo will continue at Man City next season – but as I always said, I don’t like to keep players that are unhappy”.
Just last season, Barcelona bought Ferran Torres from Man City in a €55m deal and also signed both Eric Garcia and Sergio Aguero from City on a free transfer.
Rudiger rejected Barcelona for Real Madrid
Antonio Rudiger revealed that Barcelona were interested in signing him on a free transfer. But the German international centre-back rebuffed the Catalans’ offer to sign for rivals Real Madrid.
“Yes, there was interest from Barcelona,” Rudiger said in his introductory news conference. “But I told my brother it was Real or nothing.”
Rudiger said Real initially held talks with him last season and revived them earlier this year.
“The first time there was contact it wasn’t really myself, it was my agent,” Rudiger said. “That was in September last year. The second time, when I spoke directly with Mister Ancelotti, was in April. That was the most important moment. That was when I made my choice.”
Rudiger, 29, will compete with David Alaba, who signed for Real on a free transfer last summer, and Eder Militao for playing time at centre-back this upcoming season.
Vinicius Jr set to sign new Real Madrid deal
Vinicius Jr looks set to sign a new deal in the next few days that will keep him with reigning European champions Real Madrid until 2027.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Real president Florentino Perez decided to change Real’s offer from a four-year deal to five, and Vinicius accepted.
The 21-year-old Brazilian had a breakout season at the Bernabeu as had 22 goals and 16 assists in all competitions and played a crucial role in Real claiming the La Liga and Champions League double.
Vini’s presence is a big reason why the La Liga 2022 odds have Real as favourites to defend their title next season and will likely be contenders for years to come.
Axel Witsel on his way to Atletico Madrid
In some non-Real Madrid or Barcelona-related La Liga 2022 news, Atletico Madrid are reportedly close to signing Axel Witsel on a free transfer.
Atleti appear to have beat out Olympique Marseille, Fenerbache, and multiple MLS clubs for the Belgian midfielder’s signature.
Witsel will compete with club captain Koke, Geoffrey Kondogbia, Rodrigo De Paul, and Saul Niguez in Atleti’s midfield this upcoming season. The 33-year-old Witsel has spent the past four seasons in the Bundesliga with Borussia Dortmund. After suffering a torn Achilles in January 2021, Witsel played 29 games (22 starts) for BVB last season.
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