In an interview with La Vanguardia (h/t SPORT), FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta addressed both the state of the transfer market and the excellent sporting moment enjoyed by the team in recent weeks.
The Blaugrana signed Joao Cancelo on loan until the end of the season, while letting captain Marc-Andre ter Stegen join Girona on a temporary basis for the remainder of the campaign.
And, Laporta confirmed that as far as Barça are concerned, the transfer window was as good as closed, with no other major operations expected.
“There are still a few days left, but I don’t want to raise false expectations. In principle, we have already achieved what we wanted,” he stated.
He recalled the arrival of Cancelo, describing him as “a very versatile defender,” and highlighted the renewal of Fermin Lopez as a necessary move to adjust his contract to his performance.
Laporta also underlined the work of Deco beyond the first team, saying: “He is working on other issues more related to youth football and Barça Atletic. We are working very well to achieve the goals we have set ourselves, which are to have a very good season.”
In that context, Laporta was emphatic in ruling out departures for two homegrown youngsters – Marc Casado and Marc Bernal – both of whom have been linked with loan exits.
“Yes, yes. You can rule that out, because they are two players we are counting on,” he said of Bernal and Casado.
“They are players who came up through our youth system. They are part of the formula that we believe works: a mix of players from La Masia with other highly talented players who come from different cultures.”
After discussing the market, Laporta turned to the team’s sporting moment, expressing particular satisfaction with the UEFA Champions League campaign, after they secured a top-eight finish with a win over FC Copenhagen on the final matchday.
“I experienced it like the rest of the Barça fans. We are happy. I see Barcelona fans enjoying the team and the work of a football director like Deco,” Laporta remarked.
In his view, the Blaugrana are enjoying “a sweet moment” that invites everyone to “live it and enjoy it.”
He emphasised that the team delivered what the occasion required, saying: “We had to play a game with goals, we did it, and we qualified in fifth place. We are in the top eight, which was the objective.”
“Flick is particularly pleased because he can plan the season with more peace of mind,” the club president added.
When questioned about Real Madrid’s situation, the president avoided making comparisons and issued a brief statement:
“Well, they’ll have to sort themselves out. I like to focus on Barça.”
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