Joan Laporta: 'We are working very hard to make the team more competitive'
President Joan Laporta has discussed the latest news about Barça during an event in honour of Johan Cruyff at S'Agaró. Joan Laporta stated that "great efforts are being made to add players and create a competitive team". He also ensured that “there aren't any deadlines at all. Things need to be done correctly and we can operate without feeling much pressure”. As well as potential new signings, Joan Laporta also referred to the situation of several players and Barça Atlètic. Let's take a look at the some of the key statements.
Frenkie de Jong
“Frenkie de Jong is a Barça player and one of the best central midfielders in the world. We know that Manchester United aren't the only club that want him”.
“We aren't planning on selling him and I think the player himself wants to stay. The player's own perspective is very important and he is very much at home both at the Club and in Barcelona”.
Gavi's contract extension
“The extension is going very well and we are very happy with how things have gone with both he and his agent, Ivan de la Peña, as he is a player for both now and the future”.
"Players like Pedri, Ansu Fati, Araujo, Gavi, Nico and Eric are players of the same generation that allow us to look forward to a bright future".
Dembélé
"He is no longer a Barça player, both parties are yet to reach an agreement. We have changed the wage structure at the Club. We really like him and he played very well during the second half of the season, and Xavi is happy with him".
"It's a financial discussion, both parties need to agree. We are relaxed about it, we have a good relationship with the player and the lines of communication with the agents are open".
"The player will remain with the Club if he accepts the financial terms we offered him".
Potential signings
"Most players are well aware of Barça".
“A lot of noise comes out of clubs with players that interest us. That's all part of negotiations, which take time”.
”We will be very careful when investing in order to strengthen the teams and make them more competitive”.
"We won't repeat the errors from the past, and we will act prudently and apply financial sustainability criteria".
“Lewandowski is a great player and we appreciate his stated desire to come. We have to fully respect a club like Bayern Munich, one of the world's best clubs”.
“We have spoken with Leeds about Raphinha and there is an open line of communication. Other clubs are interested in the player, but we know that he wants to come to Barça”.
"Agreeing a contract with Dembélé would not mean another player cannot be signed".
Rafa Márquez
"Rafa Márquez was going to be Barça Atlètic coach last season, but his circumstances prevented him from doing so. That's now been resolved and he will be coach for the coming season".
"He is a strong personality, captained the Mexican national team, and a great former player, one of the best in Barça's history".
Sergi Barjuan
"We express our gratitude to Sergi Barjuan because he did a very good job under the circumstances, you just have to see how many players should have been playing for Barça Atlètic and ended up playing for the first team".
“He is a Club man and he is staying with us, we have a role ready for him. We'll meet when he comes back from holiday and I want to thank him for all he has done for Barça this season”.
