Barcelona are set for a busy summer again with several key incomings and outgoings expected. Club president Joan Laporta spoke to the media recently, giving updates on some of the players linked with, and away from, the club.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta gave updates and hints on the futures of several players – linked with transfers in and out. He spoke on Barcelona’s links with Robert Lewandowski, the impending exit of Ousmane Dembele, and Frenkie de Jong’s rumored switch to Manchester United, among other things.
On Lewandowski, the Barca president reiterated his club’s economic situation is difficult but claimed that work is being done to improve the team. The Poland international has been the subject of rumors weekly, with the Spanish media claiming that the Blaugrana are trying to understand the finances of a transfer that would bring him to Camp Nou – before making a move.
“We’ll let the football team and staff work, I can’t reply with detail because we’re working on the team to be competitive. It’s not easy, we come from a tough economic situation,”
Laporta said.
Barcelona might have to create room in their wage bill to bring players in, which means outgoings can be expected. Dembele is one such individual linked with a summer exit, given his contract is coming to an end, and Laporta believes the Frenchman’s head was turned by better offers from elsewhere.
“I think he wanted to stay but he’s very tempted by other options that are better than ours.The offer was made some time ago and they have taken the margin of evaluating it until the season ends.”
he claimed.
Meanwhile, Laporta remained coy on the future of de Jong, linked with a move away earlier this week. He claimed the club won’t part ways with key assets unless the situation demands so.
“There are players who are quoted who receive offers. We’ll do what’s most convenient for the club. If the finances work then no player will leave for economic reasons,”
the Spaniard stated.
Finally, Laporta also hinted that the club is working to extend Dani Alves’ stay. The Brazilian re-joined Barcelona in January on a short-term deal and has been a key part of Xavi Hernandez’s first-team since.
