News Focus
- Joan Laporta confirms Barcelona will operate under the 1:1 financial rule this summer for the first time in three years
- The club president insists there will be no extravagant spending despite the confirmed departure of Robert Lewandowski
- Sporting Director Deco will control all recruitment decisions alongside manager Hansi Flick
- Barcelona have been linked with Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez as a potential replacement
- Laporta dismisses speculation about blockbuster moves for stars like Erling Haaland
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has urged supporters to expect a calm approach to summer recruitment, despite the club’s improved financial position. The Catalan giants are set to return to the 1:1 spending rule after a three-year absence, but Laporta stresses this does not signal a return to big-money signings.
Speaking at the Koeman Cup charity golf tournament, the club chief explained that Barcelona posted a €10 million net profit in the transfer market over the past two campaigns. Recent arrivals Joan Garcia and Dani Olmo represent the modest business conducted during this period. However, with veteran striker Robert Lewandowski set to leave, the club must source a new centre-forward.
“Operating within the 1:1 rule is positive progress, but that does not mean we will act wildly or spend without care,” Laporta told Mundo Deportivo. “We will execute whatever plan Deco proposes. He has proven his competence, and we must allow him to continue his work.”
The president confirmed that reinforcements will target specific positions identified by Deco and head coach Hansi Flick. This measured stance appears to end hopes of a sensational bid for Manchester City striker Erling Haaland, whom Laporta suggests would represent a vanity purchase rather than a strategic fit.
“We do not make signings for spectacle,” Laporta stated when questioned about the Norway international. “Our supporters recognise that we already possess a very strong squad.”
Instead, Barcelona are reportedly monitoring Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez. The Argentina forward has emerged as a realistic target to fill the number nine role. However, significant obstacles remain, as Atletico would prefer selling the player to Paris Saint-Germain for a higher fee rather than strengthening a domestic rival.
Any move for Alvarez would likely require the player to force a transfer by demanding to join Barcelona specifically. Laporta maintains that the club retains the prestige to attract elite talent, stating: “We exclude nobody because Barcelona can pursue any top player. We set the conditions.”
Manager Flick, meanwhile, continues to assess his current options. The German recently commented on midfielder Fermin Lopez’s World Cup disappointment, urging the young Spaniard to prove his quality upon returning to training.