Barcelona president Joan Laporta speaks on Haaland, Messi, Lewandowski, Salah and Raphinha

From the transfer links of Robert Lewandowski to Lionel Messi’s potential return, Barcelona president Joan Laporta spoke about an array of things in an interview with RAC 1, as relayed by Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Update on potential Haaland deal

It has been reported that Barca have fallen behind Real Madrid and Barcelona in their pursuit of striker target Erling Braut Haaland due to their financial struggles.

Now, Laporta has insisted that both Haaland and Mbappe are far-fetched targets.

“Haaland or Mbappé to Barça? The conditions I’ve been told about these two deals. We’d never accept to spend those figures, no way. I see both of them really far from Barca.”

Rules out Lionel Messi return

Lionel Messi has been linked with a return to Camp Nou since PSG’s Champions League debacle against Real Madrid, which also saw Les Parisiens’ fans jeer him as a consequence.

Xavi further spurred the speculations by stating that the door is always open for the Argentine’s return.

However, Laporta has thrown cold water on the hopes of Messi’s potential return, insisting that there are no plans to bring back the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner.

Laporta on Messi: “There’s no conversation with Leo Messi over his potential comeback to Barça. The reality is that we’re not considering this possibility.”

“Leo is Leo, he’s the best – but this kind of deal is not part of our plans.”

Confirms Raphinha interest

Laporta has confirmed that Barca are interested in Leeds United winger Raphinha. 

Recent reports have suggested that the Catalan giants are in talks to sign the Brazilian winger, who is represented by the club legend Deco.

Laporta on Raphinha: “Raphinha is a player we really like and it’s true that Deco’s his agent. We’ve very good relationships. 

“I want to clarify that Deco’s not paid by the club. He will just help us because he dominates the Brazilian market.”

Lewandowski and Salah links

Laporta has refused to comment on the transfer rumours about Robert Lewandowski and Mohamed Salah but claimed that top players want to play for Barca.

Barca president Laporta about Salah and Robert Lewandowski: “Top players want to join Barça, that’s clear.

“I can’t say if we’re in talks for Lewandowski and Salah or not – or into the club they’ll tell me that I’m creating problems in the negotiations.”

Failed Joao Felix pursuit

Laporta also admitted that Barca were interested in signing Atletico Madrid star Joao Felix and proposed a swap deal involving Antoine Griezmann last summer, which never came to fruition.

Laporta on Felix: “I really like Joao Felix. It’s a pleasure to see him playing football. Last summer, we were working to complete a swap deal with Atlético between Joao Felix and Griezmann, then it collapsed.”

Talks with Gavi and Araujo on progress

While apparently confirming the deals for Franck Kessie and Andreas Christensen, Laporta also added that the renewal talks of young prospects Gavi and Ronald Araujo are progressing well.

Laporta added: “Talks for Gavi and Araujo new contracts are progressing well – they want to continue here at Barça.

“It’s also important to understand that we’ve salary limits, so this has to be considered in the negotiation.”