The key points from Bartomeu’s press conference

FC Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu spoke to the press on Thursday afternoon, discussing a number of key issues surrounding the first team, as well as the rest of the club.

Bartomeu revealed to the media that Barça had reached an agreement with Olympique Lyonnais for the transfer of French international defender Samuel Umtiti, as well as clearing up the club’s stance on the two goalkeepers, Neymar Jr and Javier Mascherano. Here is a pick of what the president said:

Umtiti

“Some days ago, Barça reached an agreement with Lyon for Umtiti for a fee of €25million. It will not be official, however, until he comes to Barcelona for a medical.”

Neymar Jr

“Neymar wants to continue with us. In the next few days, we will close the deal for his renovation. At no point did we say a risk, as he always wanted to continue with us.”

Messi

“We all know Leo Messi. He always wants to win and has decided to quit the national team. It is a very personal topic. Messi belongs to Barça, and we tell him to stay here for as long as he wants, but he is also a global ambassador of football.”

“Messi will definitely renew with us”

Denis Suárez

“We are delighted that Denis Suárez is returning to our club”.

“Those most affected by the FIFA-imposed ban were the youngsters. After the sanctions however, things will go back to normal this season.”

Goalkeepers and Mascherano

“Nor Bravo nor Ter Stegen will leave. Both have been perfect in goal and are the perfect headache for any manager. Mascherano will also stay.”

Strategic plan

"The challenge is to make us bigger to compete on equal terms. We should be proud that we lead the world of sport, not only in sports but also in the economic. " 

"We want to make Barça global. The more fans we have around the world, the stronger we will be." 

“We want to maintain the ticket prices. We want to continue being a club of members”.

Supporters group area

“It can be confirmed that this season will see the introduction of an area in the north stand behind the goal for organised supporters groups. In this way, we are abiding by an order from La Liga, which requires a designated spot for organised supporters. To do so, the club’s security team is in permanent contact with the Catalan police.”

Economics

“We will have €60million for transfers, plus any possible income from player sales”.  "We have seen new record revenues of €670million and we have reduced debt by €40million.”

Espai Barça

"In the next six simester, we will begin the commercialisation of the Camp Nou’s naming rights. It seems that the figure we will receive will exceed €200million."