The president of Barcelona gave Sport an in-depth interview to share the latest Barça news and to confirm the agreement that had been discussed with Arda Guler.
Joan Laporta, who leads FC Barcelona, spoke at length with the newspaper Sport. He asserted that Barça currently fields a squad that stands up well against Real Madrid, emphasizing that there was a defined agreement with Arda Guler but stressing that the club made a conscious choice not to enter an auction with the white club, which ultimately secured the services of the promising Turkish player.
IN THE INTERVIEW WITH MUNDO SPORTIVO, LAPORTA TALKS ABOUT THE STAR HEADING THE CAMPAIGN: THE MESSI FACTOR
On Arda Guler, Laporta confirmed that the agreed transfer figure was 17.5 million euros and noted that there was a clear understanding with the player. Yet the narrative shifted when Real Madrid entered the race, a turn the footballer himself acknowledged during his presentation with the capital club.
Laporta made it explicit that Barcelona could have pursued a competing move, but the club had decided against it. He reiterated that there would be no competing bid for Arda or for other players who might be of interest to Barça, explaining that strict criteria were set to prevent a regression in the club’s long term strategy.
Some of Laporta’s most notable statements from the interview with Sport reveal a confident outlook for the squad and the project ahead. He claimed that the team is already superior to Madrid in several key areas and that, as an executive and a supporter, he is pleased with the direction of the project. The emphasis was on building a well-rounded unit rather than chasing individual names.
Regarding the club’s current composition, Laporta pointed to a very competitive squad that has already claimed the league title and remains capable of extending domestic dominance. He spoke about the importance of ongoing consistency and the impact of new signings, including Gundogan and Íñigo Martínez, who are expected to contribute to sustained success and push the team toward further achievements.
When asked about the coach’s vision, Laporta conveyed clarity about the manager’s requests. He mentioned the possibility of adding a winger or strengthening the midfield, underscoring a shared commitment to meet the coach’s objectives. The president stressed that the club’s aim is to enjoy continued success in the coming seasons and to maintain a high level of ambition across competitions.
Overall, Laporta’s remarks painted a picture of a Barça project focused on strengthening the team as a whole, preserving its competitive edge, and resisting the temptation to overspend in pursuit of star names. The emphasis remained on sustainable growth, strategic signings, and a collective approach that aligns with the club’s long-term goals. The statements reflect a club prioritizing stability, growth, and the continued realization of its sporting ambitions (Goal).