Laporta makes THREE big transfer predictions for Barcelona

Robin Bairner

• 23 Mar 2024 10:55 GMT
• 5 min read

Barcelona president Joan Laporta is the man best placed to know what is in store for the Blaugrana ahead of the summer transfer window, and he has made a trio of predictions that fans will love.

The Catalan side find themselves troubled by debt, which is making life difficult for them in the transfer market.

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The Spanish media have reported that two or three major sales are required in order to Barcelona to get back to a normal position, but Laporta has been bullish over what the club can achieve.

In particular, the president has focused on retaining the talent that is already present at the club.

De Jong to stay at Barcelona

Foremost among the players he wants to keep is Netherlands midfielder Frenkie de Jong, who continues to be associated with a summer move due to his high wages and significant transfer value.

“Am I hopeful of Frenkie staying? Yes, he is delighted. The last thing he would like would be to leave Barcelona. He has told me more than once, that he is delighted here,” he told AS.

De Jong’s contract renewal has been a source of torment for Barcelona for well over a year, and Laporta has once again stated that progress is being made.

“Frenkie's renewal? We have a margin. We are delighted with him. I'm not worried about any of them and if someone wants to leave, we can't go against the will of a player. But I think everyone wants to stay and we want everyone we have to stay. We don't want any of them to leave,” he said.

FootballTransfers exclusively reported in February that any rumours linking De Jong with a move away from the club were "bull****", with the player subsequently holding a press conference to confirm his contentment in Barca.

On the subject of loan duo Joao Cancelo and Joao Felix, Laporta is also confident that both the Manchester City and Atletico Madrid stars will remain at the club beyond their current agreements, which end in June.

“I think Cancelo and Felix will continue with us. Jorge Mendes is working on this file and knows our intention to continue with the players,” he said.

So while Barcelona’s transfer incomings appear to be limited, the Camp Nou side are well placed to retain their leading talent.