Barcelona president Joan Laporta has disclosed details of some of the club’s operations in the summer transfer window, including the failed move for Lionel Messi.
The Barca legend was heavily linked with a return to his boyhood club when his departure from Paris Saint-Germain was announced, and talks were ongoing over a sensational comeback.
However, the World Cup winner ultimately snubbed a return to the Spotify Camp Nou in favour of joining struggling Major League Soccer club Inter Miami.
Barca have struggled with their finances over the last couple of transfer windows, and this was a major contributory factor in the failed move for Messi.
When asked if the Argentine superstar turned down Barca due to the club’s inability to guarantee his registration, Laporta replied:
“I understand that, but one thing has nothing to do with the other,” the Barca chairman said in an interview with La Vanguardia.
“We had an agreement with LaLiga that we would dedicate part of the resources we have to Messi. It was included in the viability plan. We communicated it to Jorge Messi [Messi’s father and agent].
“He told me that Leo had had a very difficult year in Paris and that he wanted less pressure. With our option, he would have continued to be under pressure, and I understood his decision.”
Laporta also confirmed that the cash-strapped Blaugranas still owed Messi money for his past deferred salaries and will keep paying the former PSG man for two more years.
He added: “What he is owed is the deferral of the wage bill that was agreed with the previous board and which produces outstanding payments that end in 2025. He is paid regularly.”
Laporta also revealed that Barca are close to finalising an agreement with Tottenham Hotspur over the permanent transfer of forgotten centre-back Clement Lenglet.
The Frenchman spent last season on loan with Spurs. Although there was nothing spectacular about his stay, the club are reportedly willing to keep him permanently.
“I think we’ll reach an agreement with Tottenham for Lenglet,” Laporta confirmed.
Barca are facing a crucial transfer window this summer, with the Spanish champions needing significant reinforcements to retain their crown next season – especially in the wake of Real Madrid’s ongoing transfer splurge.
