Barcelona are planning for the future of their club, even though it is not going to be easy. President Joan Laporta and his other board members are trying their level best to make sure the team gets even stronger in the next few years, but it has not been easy to do so due to their financial problems.
The Catalans are being forced to look into player sales, and some of their directors met up with Manchester United executives for that purpose. However, they are now very confident that they can keep some of their star players.
Joan Laporta talks on Frenkie de Jong’s future
One of the players that has been linked with an exit is Dutch midfielder Frenkie de Jong. However, President Joan Laporta is positive that he will stay at the club. He spoke positively about the Dutchman’s future, “Frenkie de Jong is super happy here. The last thing he wants is leaving Barcelona. He always told me that he loves to be at Barça and we’re delighted with Frenkie too. I’m not worried with his future, at all.”
De Jong has long been linked with leaving Barcelona in the past few years. Manchester United are one of the clubs that are interested, with manager Erik ten Hag very keen to reunite with him there. However, the player has been hesitant to leave and has even rejected a transfer two seasons ago. He once again reiterated that fact when rumors of his impending exit surfaced in the media.
🚨🇳🇱 Barça president Laporta: "Frenkie de Jong is super happy here. The last thing he wants is leaving Barcelona".
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 23, 2024
"He always told me that he loves to be at Barça and we’re delighted with Frenkie too".
"I’m not worried with his future, at all", told MD. pic.twitter.com/NT5NlWbkiE
One of the major reasons Barcelona were ready to let go of the player was due to his very high wages and reluctance to sign a contract with improved financial conditions for the club. He has been very important to the club ever since his arrival in 2020, and is a major player for the team.
Joan Laporta confident to make Cancelo, Felix loan move permanent
Joan Laporta is also very confident about the futures of Portuguese players Joao Cancelo and Joao Felix at the club. Both are at the club on loan deals until the end of the season from Manchester City and Atletico Madrid, respectively.
The Portuguese duo have been on great form for the club and they want to keep them on a permanent basis. But with Barcelona’s poor financial conditions, it will be very hard for them to acquire both of them permanently.
🚨🔵🔴 Barça president Laporta: “I think both João Cancelo and João Félix will continue at Barça next season”.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 23, 2024
“I hope Atlético won’t create any issue. I don’t think Man City will put any limit to that”.
“For sure it will be an extension of loans with a fixed price”, told MD. pic.twitter.com/LFCdSUqXO9
However, Joan Laporta thinks that both can stay at the club for the next season, “I think both Joao Cancelo and Joao Felix will continue at Barca next season.”
He also expressed hope that their respective clubs won’t try to ask too much demands and confirmed that they will pursue another loan deal, “I hope Atlético won’t create any issue. I don’t think Man City will put any limit to that. For sure it will be an extension of loans with a fixed price.”
If Barcelona can keep all three players next season, then they will have a very good squad to challenge for all the trophies.
