Barcelona president Joan Laporta has denied studies that the membership shall be pressured to let Manchester United goal Frenkie de Jong go this summer time to adjust to Monetary Truthful Play guidelines.
United are focused on signing De Jong for a reported price of €85 million, however sources have informed ESPN that the Netherlands midfielder desires to remain at Barca.
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De Jong’s departure would enable Barca to decrease their wage invoice and register right-back Sergi Roberto in addition to new signings Franck Kessie and Andreas Christensen.
However talking on the unveiling of Raphinha, who accomplished his transfer from Leeds United to Barca on Friday, Laporta stated the membership may maintain on to De Jong.
“It isn’t true that the membership is pressured to promote Frenkie de Jong,” Laporta stated on Friday.
Laporta additionally confirmed that De Jong will journey with Barca to Miami on Saturday for his or her preseason tour of the USA.
Barca coach Xavi is pleased with De Jong’s performances, and the midfielder’s potential departure could be a purely monetary resolution somewhat than a sporting one.
“Frenkie is a crucial participant for us and we depend on him,” Barca soccer director Mateu Alemany stated on Friday. “What is obvious is that the Truthful Play system will drive gamers to depart.”
Laporta, in the meantime, revealed that Ousmane Dembele, who signed a two-year contract with Barca this week, has a €100m launch clause.
Dembele’s earlier cope with Barca expired final month.
“It has taken us eight months and we have been fortunate that the participant requested to stay at Barca,” Alemany stated.
Alemany has not dominated out Barca making additional signings this summer time and stated: “There may be nonetheless a month and a half to go earlier than the switch window closes and plenty of issues can occur. However now we have [a] very clear [idea of] what the coach desires and we are going to attempt to get it accomplished.”
Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski is a goal for Barca, however the Bundesliga champions have thus far been unwilling to barter his departure.
“We’ve not acquired a response from Bayern but, however I will not go into extra particulars out of respect for Bayern,” Laporta stated. “We have now signed a Brazilian [Raphinha] and we’re very enthusiastic.”
Raphinha, 25, has joined Barca for a price which is although to be price over €60m together with add-ons.
Xavi requested the signing of the Brazil worldwide, who has put pen to paper on a contract till June 2027.
“He is a participant that Xavi wished and insisted on having,” Laporta stated. “We’re grateful that he confirmed a need to return to Barca. This was essential.
“He continues the saga of Brazilian gamers at Barca, of the magic and of the jogo bonito.”
Raphinha stated he had fulfilled a “childhood dream” by transferring to Camp Nou and is trying to comply with within the footsteps of fellow Brazilians Ronaldinho and Neymar.
“I’ve many idols which have performed right here and made historical past,” Raphinha stated throughout his presentation. “I started to comply with Barca when Ronaldinho got here right here. I used to be additionally influenced by Neymar Jr. If I obtain half of what they’ve accomplished, it is going to be greater than sufficient. I am realising a childhood dream. I really feel privileged to be right here.”
ESPN revealed in June that Leeds had additionally accepted a proposal from Chelsea for Raphinha, however the 25-year-old’s need to maneuver to Barca allowed the Catalan membership to win the race for his signature.
“I took the choice from the start,” Raphinha stated. “My dream was to play at Barca. I really feel I’ve made the precise resolution and I can’t remorse it.
“I spoke to Xavi just a few instances. He informed me that I may assist the workforce. I believe we will mix my eagerness to be a terrific participant and his want for me to be necessary.
“I do know the workforce’s potential. I’ve come right here with the intention of profitable titles.”
