Joan Laporta gives update on Jao Felix, Jao Cancelo, Frankie de Jong, Ansu Fati , Pau Cubarsi and Hector Fort’s future.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has confirmed that both Joao Felix and Joao Cancelo will remain at the club beyond their loan periods, with negotiations already underway involving the team’s agents.
In an interview with Mundo Deportivo, Laporta discussed various topics, including Barcelona’s transfer activities and the future composition of the squad.
Regarding the Joaos, Laporta expressed confidence in their retention, stating, “I anticipate both Joaos will stay.
We have an agent there, Jorge Mendes, who is actively working on the matter and is aware of our intentions to continue with them.”
Responding to questions about Ansu Fati:
Ansu Fati is presently loaned out to Brighton, and given Barcelona’s congested attack, there’s a possibility they could extend his loan for another season or potentially sell him.
“Bojan, Barça’s football co-ordinator, is overseeing his progress, as with all loaned players.
According to the contract, he’s supposed to return, but we’ll assess the situation as it develops.”
Frankie de Jong
Despite Barcelona’s financial challenges potentially making him a sale target, Frenkie de Jong is recognized as one of the club’s most talented players due to his skill and age.
Nevertheless, club president Laporta has unequivocally declared that the Dutch international will remain with the team.
“Frenkie is delighted. The last thing he would like is to leave Barcelona. He has informed me more than once that he’s very happy here.”
“We are delighted with him. I’m not worried about anyone and if someone wants to leave, we can’t go against their will. But I think everyone wants to stay and we want everyone we have to stay. We don’t want any of them to leave.”
Barcelona president also emphasized they don’t see the necessity of acquiring a star player solely in response to Real Madrid signing Kylian Mbappé.
Instead, he highlighted the importance of maintaining a team-focused strategy and hinted at possible adjustments without directly referring to “star” players, aiming to preserve team cohesion during squad development.
“You are confusing the media player with the player who fits well in the team and prioritising the team there will be one or two team additions, who will build the team,“ he said
“The likes of Lamine, Lewandowski, Joao Felix, Ferran and Raphinha who are going strong and always contribute to the team,” he added.
Laporta also commended Vitor Roque, noting:
“Tigrinho, like many Brazilians adjusting to Europe, is adapting well. He possesses a natural charm, goal-scoring ability, and provides valuable support to Lewandowski.”
“I don’t see the need to make an investment that could distort what we are building, which is a balanced team. Next year we will have Gavi again, he gives us energy. Pedri and Frenkie are world class players like everyone else we have.”
Barca is actively negotiating contract extensions for Pau Cubarsi and Hector Fort, both integral members of the first-team squad from La Masia.
When asked about their future, Laporta commented:
“None, on the contrary, we are counting on them for everything. The basis of next season’s team will be the same.
“If we achieve our objectives, we don’t have to make any sales, unless there are players who don’t want to continue because they haven’t played enough or because they are interested in leaving because they have an offer that we won’t make.”
