Barcelona step up Harry Kane interest as Liverpool suffer transfer blow after missing out on defensive target - Euro Transfer News
Published 21/11/2025 at 18:26 GMT
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In Friday's edition of Euro Transfer News, Barcelona have set their sights on signing England captain Harry Kane as a replacement for Robert Lewandowski next summer. Elsewhere, Liverpool are reportedly out of the race to sign one of their defensive targets next summer, while a former Barcelona director has revealed how the club failed in their previous pursuit of goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
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Barca step up Kane, Alvarez interest
Barcelona have identified Harry Kane and Julian Alvarez as potential attacking alternatives to replace Robert Lewandowski, according to Mundo Deportivo.
The Catalan publication claims that although Lewandowski has not made a decision on his future with the reigning La Liga champions, the club are taking steps to find his replacement.
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The report also adds that Bayern Munich star Kane is the favoured option compared to Alvarez, with Atletico Madrid not willing to part ways with the World Cup winner.
The report reads: "The main objective is a center forward, given that Robert Lewandowski's contract is expiring and he will turn 38 in August 2026.
"And although nothing is decided yet, in this post-Lewandowski scenario, the option of Harry Kane has been gaining traction in recent weeks.
"On Barca's list, considering the need for a top striker and the fact that a high-profile player would excite the fans even more, the name of Julian Alvarez is very much in line.
"However, his contract until 2030 and Atletico Madrid's reluctance to sell make him a difficult target. In this context, the name of Kane, the Bayern Munich striker, has been gaining ground in Barca's offices."
Liverpool suffer transfer blow
Liverpool have been hit with a major transfer setback, with The Reds reportedly out of the race to sign one of their defensive targets next summer.
Bayern Munich insider Christian Falk reports that the reigning champions are out of the race to sign France international Dayot Upamecano, who will become a free agent next summer.
"It’s not good news for Liverpool fans," Falk wrote in his transfer blog. "We have heard that there are just three clubs in the Frenchman’s mind for the future.
"First of all, Bayern Munich. The Bundesliga champions are a little bit confident that they will get the centre-half to sign a new contract.
"However, failing that, there are two clubs that interest Upamecano – otherwise, no Premier League clubs are on the list – and these are Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain.
"Both outfits are interested in the 27-year-old because he’s currently on track to be a free agent next year."
Barca failed on two occasions to sign Courtois
Former Barcelona director Javier Bordas has told Diario SPORT that the Catalan club failed in their pursuit of signing goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois on two separate occasions.
Courtois has established himself as one of the best shot-stoppers of his generation at Clasico rivals Real Madrid, but he could have worn the famous Blaugrana shirt if things had panned out differently in the past.
The Belgian first caught Barca’s eye during the 2010/11 campaign but the club decided against signing him. Victor Valdez was between the sticks at the time and although the Catalans had the chance to sign Courtois for just €3 million [£2.6m] they believed that signing a goalkeeper wasn’t a top priority.
Following his stunning loan spell at Atletico Madrid, Bordas recalls how Barca identified Courtois as a potential future No. 1 but claims that the board "stopped" the deal, and opted to sign Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Claudio Bravo.
Rudiger open to extending Madrid stay
Antonio Rudiger is open to signing a contract extension at Real Madrid despite interest from the Premier League, according to German journalist Florian Plettenberg.
Rudiger has missed the majority of the campaign so far with a muscle injury and Plettenberg reports that the Germany international intends to focus on his comeback before making a decision on his future.
"Real Madrid and Antonio Rudiger remain open to extending his expiring contract beyond 2026," he wrote on his official X account.
"Before the injury there had already been concrete discussions about figures. Since the injury, talks have been on hold. Current plan: first his comeback, then new negotiations.
"Saudi interest remains strong. A Premier League return is also an option for Rudiger."
Man City identify right-back for the future
Fabrizio Romano reports that Manchester City are interested in signing teenager Givairo Read next summer.
Pep Guardiola's men are still looking for a long-term replacement for ex-captain Kyle Walker, who joined Burnley at the start of the season.
Romano claims that City will face competition from Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich for the Feyenoord player's signature next summer.
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