FC Barcelona’s Player Acquisition Focus
Joan Laporta, the president of FC Barcelona, has revealed that the club is currently focused on an exhilarating new player acquisition, following their recent signing of Joan García from Espanyol. On Wednesday, Barcelona confirmed their first signing of the summer, securing García, a 24-year-old goalkeeper, after activating his release clause amounting to €25 million (approximately $28.8 million).
Upcoming Transfers and Targets
During a gathering with club members, Laporta expressed optimism about the club’s future moves in the transfer market, stating,
“We have brought in one player [García] and we’re working on another really exciting signing.”
Meanwhile, the club’s sporting director, Deco, previously indicated that Barcelona is looking to bolster their squad with an additional winger, eyeing several candidates, including Nico Williams, Luis Díaz, and Marcus Rashford.
Nico Williams: A Top Priority
Emerging as a top priority for Barcelona is Williams, a forward for Athletic Club and the Spanish national team. Deco recently held discussions with Williams’ agent, Felix Tainta, which has piqued interest among fans and analysts alike. Despite attempts to recruit Williams last summer, negotiations fell through due to the club’s ability to guarantee his registration in LaLiga. The 22-year-old remains available for a buyout fee of approximately €58 million ($66.7 million).
Other Recruitment Efforts and Financial Considerations
Additionally, reports have surfaced about Barcelona’s approach for Liverpool’s Díaz being rejected, and the Colombian has expressed interest in discussions with other teams. This situation could create momentum for the pursuit of Williams. Furthermore, Deco has been in contact with Marcus Rashford’s representative, Dwaine Maynard, as the club evaluates the financial implications of potential signings.
Financial Challenges and Optimism
Despite concerns about adherence to LaLiga’s financial fair play regulations, Laporta rebuffed claims made by league president Javier Tebas regarding ongoing restrictions.
“Many hurdles have been placed before us, but we have successfully navigated them,”
he noted, emphasizing that the club can now operate normally in player registrations following significant efforts to recover financially. The developments mark a pivotal moment for Barcelona as they seek to reinforce their squad for the upcoming season.
