Barcelona President Speaks on Transfer of Key Players, Reveals Wage Owed to Messi

• Barcelona president, Joan Laporta has revealed the transfer status of some key players
• The Barcelona chief also made clear the club’s stance on these players
• The 61-year-old also spoke on the failed Lionel Messi transfer

Barcelona president, Joan Laporta has admitted the Blaugrana have received transfer offers for eight first-team stars, but reinforced the message that they are not a selling club.

Xavi led the Camp Nou outfit to La Liga glory last season, as they finished 10 points clear of Real Madrid to bring the league title back to Catalonia for the first time since 2019.

However, they exited the Champions League in the group stages for the second consecutive campaign, while the club tasted defeat against Manchester United in the Europa League last-16.

In an interview with La Vanguardia, he gave an insight into the club’s situation in the summer transfer window as well as the squad planning for the upcoming season.

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“We have received offers for Christensen, for Gavi, for Pedri, for Araújo, for Ter Stegen, for Ansu, for Raphinha, for Balde,” Laporta admitted.

“But we are not a selling club. We have no intention to sell our stars.”

One of the major discussion points during the interview was Lionel Messi and his decision to join Inter Miami by snubbing a possible return to Barcelona.

When asked if the Argentine moved away due to the club’s inability to guarantee his registration owing to the tight salary space at the club, Laporta replied:

“I understand that, but one thing has nothing to do with the other.

“We had an agreement with La Liga 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. He told me that Leo had had a very difficult year in Paris and that he wanted less pressure.

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“With our option, he would have continued to be under pressure and I understood his decision.”

The president again underlined that the club would plan a huge tribute for the 36-year-old, as reported earlier by Football Espana, possibly when they return to the new Spotify Camp Nou.

“Good luck to him and we will start preparing his super tribute.

“As part of the 125th anniversary and when we return to the Camp Nou it would be perfect,” he said.

Messi still owed by Barcelona

Laporta also confirmed that Barcelona still owe Messi money for his past deferred salaries and have to keep paying him for two more years, saying:

“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.”

Given the urgent need to reduce the salary mass, Barcelona have been looking to sell players. Clement Lenglet is one such star linked with an exit, with Tottenham Hotspur seemingly interested in signing him permanently.

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Barcelona eye former Chelsea midfielder

Sports Brief previously reported Barcelona are on the move to sign a new pivot following the departure of Sergio Busquets.

The name of Oriol Romeu, who plays for Catalan rivals Girona, currently tops the list of players slated to replace Busquets.

The midfielder previously played for Premier League clubs Chelsea and Southampton.