Joan Laporta, the president of Fútbol Club Barcelona, speaks with passion about the club’s sports news in a lengthy interview with SPORT from the Prensa Ibérica group.
He acknowledges the market challenges created by the salary cap, yet makes one thing clear Barcelona remains the favorite to win the league and sits ahead of rivals. “We have a stronger squad than Madrid, and our players shine brighter than many of our competitors. As a member and fan, I am immensely proud of what the team has built.”
Laporta stresses that the priority is improving within Barça, not chasing every available signing. “We already possess a highly competitive squad. We won the Spanish League and have the potential to stay dominant. My focus is on building a great team rather than chasing individual stars. We agreed with Gundogan and Iñigo Martínez, and they are expected to deliver outstanding performances alongside the rest.”
“We are clear about the coach’s wishes. There might be a need for a winger and additional midfield reinforcement, and we will strive to meet those needs. The team has claimed major titles again and remains hungry for more. The coach is well supported, and the club wants to extend that joy.”
Arda Guler
Laporta explains that Arda Güler from Turkey was close to joining Barça. Deco had a deal with Fenerbahçe and discussed a transfer worth 17.5 million euros, and the club had an agreement with the player. Real Madrid later stepped in, and the player publicly endorsed their project during his presentation with the white team.
The Barcelona president is clear that a competitive offer could have been made, but Barça did not pursue any option beyond its own carefully set criteria. “We impose strict limits to avoid a runaway bidding war and to protect the club’s long-term health.”
He adds that entering a bidding war would have been a misstep for Barça, especially for a player who still has much to prove at the highest level. “We must apply common sense and stay away from excessive sums,” Laporta states. He notes that other clubs later joined, including Real Madrid, who paid sums that Barça chose not to match. “Madrid believed they had to meet those prices, but Barça chose not to participate in an unsustainable race.”
Looking back, Laporta explains that Barça believed they could compete without overextending financially, and that there were other targets on the horizon that could fit the club’s plan. The decision was to avoid a costly auction that might compromise future stability.
Victor Roque
On the other hand, Vitor Roque signed a new contract with Barcelona after moving from Athletico Paranaense. The club anticipates formal confirmation in the near term, with a transfer already closed. The big question remains when the Brazilian forward will join Xavi’s project and assume a Barça shirt. The president stresses that Fair Play will hinge on how the squad evolves in terms of salaries.
Laporta explains that Roque’s arrival at Ciutat Esportiva was tied to a liability plan, yet it opened the door to creating an income stream that ensures Fair Play. A decision will be made about recruiting other players depending on this balance.
The initial plan has Roque joining the group in January 2024, aligning with the winter transfer window. There is also openness to the possibility that the Brazilian player could begin the season with Athletico Paranaense and arrive later if circumstances allow. In short, all options stay on the table because the player is eager to wear Barça’s colors and the club wants him as part of its long-term strategy.
The timeline for Roque’s arrival will depend on the market situation and Barça’s financial balance. If circumstances hold steady, the plan is for Roque to be integrated in January 2024; if not, Barça will reassess and adjust accordingly.