If reports are to be believed, Laporta is organizing a transfer move that could well go down as the most sensational, and at the same time, most unexpected move in the history of the game. According to Spanish journalist Javier G. Matallanas, the Catalans are aiming to sign Cristiano Ronaldo this summer.
If the move materializes, two of the biggest footballing icons of this era, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, will be seen playing together for the first time. The Portuguese superstar, who is currently on a mission to defend the European Championship title for his nation, has had a difficult season for Juventus.
It is not that the 36-year-old’s individual form has taken a dip, as he scored 36 goals in 44 appearances for Juventus in the 2020/21 season. However, the Old Lady had an underwhelming Serie A season, which saw their streak of nine consecutive Serie A wins come to a conclusion. They finished in fourth place in the points table, somehow managing to qualify for the Champions League.
The Italian outfit are looking for a squad revamp, and given Ronaldo’s wage demands, they might have to part ways with the five-time Ballon d’Or winner. There have been quite a lot of clubs touted as his next destination, but not many would have predicted FC Barcelona to enter the race.
Laporta was elected as the president of the Spanish giants very recently, but he has already made some shrewd signings to strengthen the squad. Argentine striker Sergio Aguero and Dutch forward Memphis Depay have been signed on a free transfer.
In the Spanish media outlet AS, journalist Javier G. Matallanas wrote
“He (Joan Laporta) is dreaming of bringing Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo together at Barça. Alongside his closest aides, Laporta began to map out a move that would go down in footballing history: fielding a team boasting the two stars who have dominated the men’s game for the past decade and more.”
“As part of Laporta’s bold plan, Barça would offer two players to Juventus, with Antoine Griezmann, Sergi Roberto and Philippe Coutinho thought to be among those in contention to go to Turin,”
The last details of Messi’s new deal are being finalized
In all probability, Laporta will have to move heaven and earth if he wants to sign Ronaldo, but Messi signing a new contract is looking very imminent. The report has claimed that Jorge Messi, the Argentine superstar’s father, has arrived in Barcelona to sort out the last details of the contract.
“Messi’s contract renewal is on course. The player’s father and agent, Jorge Messi, is in Barcelona resolving the final details of a payment formula.
His son has offers that would almost treble his Barça salary, but the star wants to stay at Camp Nou because Laporta has shown him the support he needed,”
Matallanas wrote.
