Barcelona: Barcelona are still battling financial issues which have hindered them from making a few key transfers now. Quite recently, they lost the race to sign youngster Arda Guler who has joined Real Madrid. However, in spite of that, they have also successfully brought on big names like Ilkay Gundogan and Inigo Martinez. Club President Joan Laporta has talked about the team now and his satisfaction with it. He also assured that more players are coming as per Xavi’s request. He elaborated further on Barcelona’s situation with Lionel Messi.
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Barcelona President, Joan Laporta expressed how he believes Barcelona have a better team than their arch-rivals, Real Madrid. They recently lost the race to them to sign talented youngster Arda Guler. Mainly because of their extremely restricted budget and financial issues. Recently talking to the Spanish newspaper, Mundo Deportivo, he said, “We have a better team than Madrid and, individually, we are also better with a certain difference from our rivals. As a club member and fan, I am very satisfied with the team we are building.”
He added, “We have won the Spanish League and we can continue to exercise hegemony in this competition. I focus on making a good team over signing individuals. We have signed Gundogan and Inigo Martínez and they will give us a great performance like the others who are going to come.” It doesn’t have to be said that both of these players are extraordinary. Moreover, both of them joined La Blaugrana as free agents. Hence, they don’t only add value to the team, but Barcelona also didn’t have to exert their books to financially fit them in.
Coach Xavi brought the turning point for Barcelona when he arrived. He helped them win La Liga after 4 years. Hence, it’s important that he stays at the club. Regarding his contract, Laporta said, “Xavi’s new contract? We will do it at the right moment, once we complete our squad.” Xavi is also vocal about the changes he needs in the team to succeed. Regarding Xavi’s transfer demands, he said, “We need to sign one right back and two midfielders to complete the team as Xavi asked.”
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Lionel Messi’s arrival at Barcelona after leaving PSG was almost confirmed. However, the Argentine decided to go to Inter Miami. He did so to avoid the similar stress he had to go through when he moved to PSG. After that, fans remained concerned about Barcelona’s relationship with Messi. Laporta explained, “We have a good relationship with Messi but we didn’t speak with Leo after his decision to join Inter Miami. We wish him all the best. We had his contract ready but it was not possible to proceed. Barcelona will always be his home.”
Lionel Messi has spent most of his career at Barcelona. It had been difficult for fans to see him leave in 2021. It remains difficult for them to see him join the MLS club now. Hence, when Laporta was asked if Messi would ever play for Barcelona again, he replied, “Messi playing again for Barça one day? It’s more difficult now so you should ask Leo… we all wanted to make it happen but it was not possible. He’s always gonna be in top form, but I can’t expose myself by saying that he will play for Barça again.”
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