Transfer Centre

Barcelona transfer roundup: Xavi's side preparing Robert Lewandowski bid, Goncalo Inacio emerges as defensive target

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 19 June 2022

Sports Mole rounds up the latest Barcelona transfer news, including an update on Frenkie de Jong's future and reported bid for Robert Lewandowski.

Barcelona still have financial problems, but the club are working to boost their squad for the 2022-23 campaign, with head coach Xavi looking to assemble a side capable of challenging for major honours once again.

The Catalan outfit will need to make a big-money sale this summer to open up space in the budget, though, with Frenkie de Jong potentially making the move to Manchester United.

Here, Sports Mole provides a transfer roundup of the biggest stories involving Barcelona, who finished second behind Real Madrid in La Liga last season.

BARCELONA PREPARING OFFICIAL OFFER FOR LEWANDOWSKI?

Bayern Munich's Robert Lewandowski celebrates scoring their third goal to complete his hat-trick on March 8, 2022 © Reuters

Barcelona are reportedly preparing an official bid for Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski.

The 33-year-old scored 50 goals and registered seven assists in 46 appearances in all competitions for Bayern during the 2021-22 campaign.

The forward's relationship with the German giants has broken down, though, and he has made it clear that he wants to leave Allianz Arena during this summer's transfer window.

Barcelona are seen as the favourites for the Poland international despite interest from Man United, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain.

According to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Catalan outfit are now preparing an official offer for Lewandowski, having already come to an agreement with the striker over personal terms.

Read the story in full here.

BARCELONA 'TO LOWER ASKING PRICE FOR FRENKIE DE JONG'

Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong pictured in October 2021 © Reuters

Man United are reportedly confident that Barcelona will lower their asking price for Frenkie de Jong.

The Netherlands international continues to be linked with a switch to Old Trafford, with new Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag said to be determined to bring the 25-year-old to the club.

Man United have thus far struggled to come to an agreement with Barcelona over a transfer fee, with the Catalan outfit holding out for a high price for the midfielder.

However, according to The Guardian, the 20-time English champions are now hopeful that an offer in the region of €70m (£60.1m) would be accepted by the La Liga outfit.

De Jong was again a key player for Barcelona during the 2021-22 campaign, making 46 appearances in all competitions, but he could be sold this summer to ease the club's financial problems.

Read the story in full here.

BARCELONA TO RIVAL MAN UNITED FOR INACIO?

Sporting CP's Goncalo Inacio during the warm up before the match on February 12, 2022 © Reuters

Barcelona are reportedly interested in signing Sporting Lisbon centre-back Goncalo Inacio during this summer's transfer window.

The 20-year-old was a key player for his Portuguese club during the 2021-22 campaign, making 45 appearances in all competitions, contributing five goals and three assists in the process, and his form is believed to have attracted the attention of Man United.

However, according to A Bola, there is also firm interest from Barcelona, with the club's head coach Xavi keen to bring another centre-back to Camp Nou in the current market.

Inacio still has more than four years left to run on his contract, but there is believed to be a €45m (£38.5m) release clause in the agreement.

The Portugal Under-21s international has made 70 appearances for Sporting in all competitions, contributing seven goals and four assists.

Read the story in full here.