SUMMARY
- Xavi Hernandez will remain the FC Barcelona coach in the 2024-25 season.
- Ahead of the upcoming season, Xavi has his eyes set on a Manchester United star.
FC Barcelona has reportedly set their sights on signing players for the next season as the summer transfer window draws closer. After what has been a difficult season, the Barcelona squad is set to undergo plenty of chances. However, as per the latest reports, the club is now reportedly interested in buying one of the key players of Manchester United.
According to reports from ElNacional, FC Barcelona head coach Xavi Hernandez wants to sign Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes. Fernandes, who’s currently the captain of the United squad, last signed a contract extension in 2022 with his current contract expiring in June 2026. While there have been reports of United being ready to sell several of their first-team players, no report mentioned Fernandes’ name.
🔴📰 | Barcelona have registered their interest in Bruno Fernandes. Xavi would welcome him, and first contacts have been made to find out the total cost of bringing him to Barcelona. [@elnacionalcat] pic.twitter.com/50QboHPiKx
— UtdDistrict (@UtdDistrict) May 3, 2024
Although, if Xavi is successful in bringing the Portuguese international from England to Spain, it would be rather ironic. A couple of years ago, Xavi’s Barcelona faced Bruno Fernandes’ Manchester United in the UEFA Europa League. Speaking in a press conference before the game, Xavi wanted to praise Fernandes, but unfortunately, couldn’t manage to remember his name.
🎙️ Xavi on Erik ten Hag: “He gets the best of the talent from his players. You see Sancho, Rashford, the Portuguese guy [Bruno Fernandes]. And look how Fred is playing.” pic.twitter.com/Mg0yCfAiSo
— Football Tweet ⚽ (@Football__Tweet) February 23, 2023
Instead, the Barcelona manager called Fernandes, “the Portuguese guy“. While two years have now gone by since that incident occurred, with United even defeating FC Barcelona in that tie, Xavi now has a pretty good memory of the Portuguese star. The reports suggest that the club is enquiring about the cost of signing Fernandes from the English club.
FC Barcelona identifies key targets for the summer transfer window
FC Barcelona needs to make some big decisions in the transfer window if they want to compete for titles next season. Throughout this season, the club has been struggling to have a competitive season, with several key players sustaining injuries. While the financial constraints continue, the club has now identified some key targets for the upcoming summer transfer window.
🚨🚨🌕| CONFIRMED: FC Barcelona have almost AGREED terms with Guido Rodriguez — who is now expected to join he club on a free transfer this summer. @FabrizioRomano 🔵🔴✅ pic.twitter.com/DZQKT0UTaB
— Managing Barça (@ManagingBarca) April 28, 2024
FC Barcelona has already reportedly contacted Argentine midfielder and World Champion Guido Rodriguez, who plays for the Spanish club Real Betis, and there are talks of him joining the club on a free transfer. The club also wants to sign Bayern Munich star Joshua Kimmich to solve their long-time defensive midfield worries. The Catalan giants are reportedly ready to listen to offers for some of the best players they have.
The club is ready to hear offers for Ronald Araujo and even Pedri provided the offer is really good. Currently, the club needs to sign a right back, a left back, a backup striker, and lastly, a winger. Additionally, there are also rumors of the club wanting to sign Bernardo Silva from Manchester City.
Bruno Fernandes will only think about his future after Euro 2024
Meanwhile, FC Barcelona’s alleged interest in Bruno Fernandes has led to fans speculating about the Manchester United skipper’s interest. While Fernandes has always stated that he feels content at Old Trafford, the last few seasons have been pretty harsh for the club. Therefore, the 29-year-old hasn’t ruled out a move away from the club in the future, but not anytime soon.
Fernandes recently admitted that he is currently completely focused on the upcoming FA Cup final between Manchester United and Manchester City, and then, the Euro 2024 with Portugal. During an interview with DAZN Portugal, he said, “Nothing will take my focus away from this end of the championship, the FA Cup and the European Championship. There is nothing more important than that at the moment.”
🚨 Bruno Fernandes has admitted he may start thinking about leaving Manchester United after EURO 2024.
He has two years left on his contract and insists he’s currently happy at the club.
(Source: DAZN Portugal) pic.twitter.com/bHVGGB0wMj
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) April 30, 2024
Fernandes further added that while he’s not thinking about his future, he did admit that it hasn’t been the ideal season for his club. However, if he does want to switch clubs, there will be plenty of top European teams who would be interested in him. Although, there hasn’t been any official response from Fernandes regarding the alleged offer from FC Barcelona.