Barcelona president Joan Laporta has confirmed that both Joao Felix and Joao Cancelo will stay at Barcelona beyond their loan spell, adding that the team has agents working on the deal already.
Speaking in an interview with Mundo Deportivo, Laporta shared his thoughts on several aspects, including Barcelona’s transfer activities and the future of the current roster.
First, when asked about the Joaos, the president mentioned, “I think both Joaos will continue. I hope that Atletico Madrid do not cause any inconvenience in Felix staying with us and I believe Manchester City is not going to put it either.
“We have an agent there who is working on the matter – Jorge Mendes, who knows we intend to continue with them.”
What about Ansu Fati then?
Ansu Fati is currently on loan to Brighton and considering the overbooking at Barcelona in attack, it is likely that they might let him go on loan for another season or at best, cash in on him.
When questioned about the youngster’s future, Laporta, himself, had no clear answer, saying, “Bojan [Barça’s football co-ordinator] is monitoring him, like all the loaned players. In principle, he has to return by contract, but we’ll see, we’ll see.”
“He had the injury, and he has recovered. He has gone through a lot of changes. We will see at the end of the season what is to be done,” added Laporta.
Future of Frenkie de Jong
Frenkie de Jong stands out as one of Barcelona’s most skilled players, considering both his quality and age.
Despite being a target for potential sale due to the club’s financial challenges, club president Laporta has firmly stated that the Dutch international will not be leaving.
“Frenkie is delighted. The last thing he would like is to leave Barcelona. He has informed me more than once that he’s very happy here.”
De Jong’s current contract with Barcelona runs until 2026 and the president has said that if he wants to leave, the team will not stand in his way. Luckily enough, though, the midfielder wants to continue as well.
“We are delighted with him. I’m not worried about anyone and if someone wants to leave, we can’t go against their will. But I think everyone wants to stay and we want everyone we have to stay. We don’t want any of them to leave.”
Laporta’s view on big signing
Meanwhile, the Barcelona president made it evident that they don’t feel the need to bring in a star player, especially just because Real Madrid has signed Kylian Mbappw.
He mentioned that there might be some adjustments, but stressed the importance of maintaining a team-oriented approach.
He deliberately avoided using the term “star” players to prevent any disruption in the team’s harmony as they work on building their squad.
“You are confusing the media player with the player who fits well in the team and prioritising the team there will be one or two team additions, who will build the team,“ he said.
“The likes of Lamine, Lewandowski, Joao Felix, Ferran and Raphinha who are going strong and always contribute to the team,” he added.
There was also praise for Vitor Roque, as Laporta said: “And then Tigrinho, in a process of adaptation, like all Brazilians who come to Europe. He is charming, he has the gift of the goal, he gets off the mark well and helps Lewandowski.”
As such, Laporta does not see the need to sign a marquee player just for the sake of it.
“I don’t see the need to make an investment that could distort what we are building, which is a balanced team. Next year we will have Gavi again, he gives us energy. Pedri and Frenkie are world class players like everyone else we have.”
It is to be noted that Barcelona are already working on contract renewals of Pau Cubarsi and Hector Fort.
The young jewels from La Masia have become an integral part of the first-team fold and while speaking about their future and if their future was in danger, Laporta said:
“None, on the contrary, we are counting on them for everything. The basis of next season’s team will be the same.
“If we achieve our objectives, we don’t have to make any sales, unless there are players who don’t want to continue because they haven’t played enough or because they are interested in leaving because they have an offer that we won’t make.”
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