Barcelona president dodges question about summer pursuit of Nico Williams

Barcelona president Joan Laporta recently spoke about the financial challenges facing football clubs, including Barcelona. He acknowledged that all clubs are struggling with their finances but assured that Barcelona are on the right path to balancing their books. 

Laporta mentioned that although Barcelona are not yet at a 1:1 ratio of income to expenditure, they are making significant progress. 

He pointed out that Barcelona is a club that earns more than it spends, largely due to substantial investments and having some of the best contracts in the market.

Laporta explained that Barcelona could have achieved financial balance this summer, but the club decided to aim for more. 

“All clubs are having difficulties. We will get to 1-1, but the sporting pace does not always coincide with the economic pace,” said the president as quoted by Mundo Deportivo. 

“We are a club that generates more money than it spends, with significant investments and the best contracts on the market. 

“We could have been 1:1 this summer. The easy thing was to say that it was a good contract, but we have thought that it can still be improved.” 

He remains confident that the club will reach its financial goals soon but expressed a desire for La Liga to show some flexibility in its financial regulations. 

He believes a more balanced approach could help clubs manage their finances better while still adhering to the necessary guidelines.

“We will be 1:1, but it would always be welcome if La Liga were to be more flexible without neglecting economic control. They have been very strict with the rules, it could be more flexible. It would help all clubs.” he said. 

Laporta’s take on Nico Williams

Nico Williams decided not to join Barcelona this summer. (Photo by LLUIS GENE/AFP via Getty Images)

Furthermore, when asked specifically about Barcelona’s interest in Nico Williams during the summer transfer window, Laporta chose to remain discreet. He firmly stated, 

“I prefer not to discuss players who are not part of our club. I will not comment on aspects concerning players that we do not have in our squad.” 

By making this statement, Laporta maintained a professional stance, respecting the fact that Nico Williams is still under contract with another team.

“There are many players who want to come to Barça, we know this from their agents, but they know that the club is in the process of completing its economic recovery,” he added.

Overall, Laporta’s comments reflect a careful balancing act between maintaining financial discipline and striving for sporting excellence. 

He is optimistic about Barcelona’s financial future but also calls for a more adaptable regulatory environment to help clubs navigate their economic challenges. 

His reserved response regarding player acquisitions shows a focus on respecting other clubs’ players while being strategic about Barcelona’s public statements.