Barcelona president talks transfers, 1:1 Fair Play rule, VIP seats deal, Champions League ambitions | OneFootball

Before flying to Japan a day later than planned, FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta sat down for a detailed interview with Mundo Deportivo.

During the chat, the Barça chief discussed the team’s summer window, the Camp Nou situation, and the ambitions for the future. He also delved deeper into the club’s sporting strategy and the Fair Play situation.

Reflecting on the current squad, the president expressed satisfaction with having preserved the core from last season.

The additions of Joan Garcia, Marcus Rashford, and Swedish prospect Roony Bardghji (initially with Barça Atletic) have added strength, but Laporta made it clear: the ultimate goal remains the Champions League.

He emphasised that the club’s primary aim this summer was not to build from scratch, but to retain what was already working.

“Our main focus and obsession was to keep the team from last season, because it was a historic one. We wanted to preserve that team spirit and refused to even consider many offers we received. The coach asked for more firepower up front,” said Laporta.

“With Marcus Rashford, we have that now. And Deco’s foresight regarding what might happen with Marc-Andre has been key in reinforcing the goalkeeping position. Joan Garcia has been training spectacularly – Barça fans will love him.”

Despite the constant speculation around transfer markets, Laporta confirmed that the club considers its summer objectives complete.

“With Roony Bardghji, there is a lot of hope. He is an explosive player, the kind you enjoy watching. This season, we have already achieved what we set out to do.”

Regarding the possibility of further signings before the window closes, the president was direct, confirming that he did not expect any more arrivals.

On the topic of outgoings, Laporta indicated that while some salary trimming will occur, the club does not plan any high-profile sales purely for financial gain.

“We will be making savings in terms of wages. Pablo Torre has already left, and other moves are being finalised. But I do not think a major sale will happen, even though we have received offers.

“It would break the spirit of this team, which has won over the fans – we want to keep that spirit and that magic.”

Laporta made clear that the club will try to avoid painful exits, saying: “That is what I meant. We will try to avoid any painful departures. I will not name specific players, because they all belong to Barça and we are delighted with all of them.

“But we do have too many players in some positions and something has to be done. That will be up to the coach and to Deco.”

The Fair Play situation

Laporta confident about returning to 1:1 rule. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

Asked about the steps Barça must take to comply with LaLiga’s demanding 1:1 financial rule, Laporta explained the situation in detail.

“We need to reduce the wage bill, and there are other aspects the club must still finalise. Everything is in motion and moving in the right direction, which will allow us to register the players,” he remarked.

“We are working hard to interpret LaLiga’s financial rules correctly. In the past, this period was stressful because of signings and sales. Now the stress is about registering players.”

Relations with La Liga have improved in recent years, and Laporta is optimistic about the outcome of the important €100 million operation involving VIP seat rights at Spotify Camp Nou – a key part of achieving the 1:1 rule.

“I am convinced this will work. I cannot imagine it being any other way. That operation brings in €100 million – we have already collected €58 million, which is what LaLiga required to activate the 1:1 rule.

“Now, due to media pressure, the auditors are demanding more effort. This comes from external pressures that have made auditors feel they need to be stricter. To me, that is highly debatable – but I respect and accept it.”

He expressed frustration with the complexity of the bureaucracy involved, saying: “At this rate, they will ask us to stand on our heads with our tongues out. I do not know what more they want. We are a club that generates almost €1 billion in revenue.

“All these rules and requirements feel like roadblocks that, frankly, do not make much sense for a club of our scale. And we are about to have a brand-new stadium – one that will be a global reference point and bring in huge revenue.

“So yes, caution is good, but sometimes the demands placed on us are extreme. Still, we face them – and we usually come through.”

Even if Barça cannot return to the Spotify Camp Nou just yet and must continue at Montjuic, Laporta confirmed that contractual obligations around the 475 VIP seats can still be honoured.

“Yes. Even when we play the Gamper at the Johan Cruyff Stadium, we will activate a VIP area. We are contractually obliged to do so, and we are complying—even if it means setting up an exterior tent. We always find solutions,” he stated.

On presidential elections

Looking ahead to the 2026 presidential elections, Laporta admitted that the matter has not yet taken up much of his attention.

“Honestly, I have not thought about it. I am still focused on registering our new players. I am also very busy with the stadium – we are doing everything we can to overcome the remaining obstacles and return to Spotify Camp Nou as soon as possible,” he said.

“As for the election year, I have not planned anything yet. The club’s legal department surely has it mapped out to some extent.”

The Barça chief acknowledged that elections must take place between 15 March and 15 June and reflected on the potential timing.

“Yes, they must be held between 15 March and 15 June. We will see. It is true that the second half of the season can be a bit disruptive – or maybe not. It depends on how things go.”

With the Champions League final scheduled for early June in Budapest, Laporta shared a conversation he had with the players, revealing their mindset heading into the new campaign.

“The other day, speaking with the players, it was great to see how proud they are of last season – but even more, how much they want to correct what went wrong and make it right this year.”

According to the latest Observatori Blaugrana, 86% of club members approve of Laporta’s management. Yet, he says there is still plenty of work ahead.

“Yes. There is always much more to do. We need to inaugurate the stadium – that is the main goal: to finish construction by the end of summer 2026. Then, we have to install the roof,” he insisted.

“And of course, there are more titles to win—or so I hope. We must keep this philosophy alive, which I believe resonates deeply with Barça fans.”

Laporta closed the conversation on a hopeful note, saying: “We are here to serve the club, constantly thinking about how to make Barça better, how to make culers happy.

“We have brought joy back to Barcelona fans. I am very proud of that – but we must maintain this level. Barça fans should live in joy, pride, and the happiness of supporting this club.”