‘It’s Not Good News’: Barcelona President Joan Laporta Reacts to Kylian Mbappe’s Move to Real Madrid

• Joan Laporta has admitted Kylian Mbappe's blockbuster free transfer to Real Madrid is not the best news for FC Barcelona
• Despite his admission about the sensational move, the 61-year-old insists his club will not depart from the policy of promoting La Masia products
• He also took a swipe at Madrid's impressive performance this season, suggesting that Los Blancos tend to benefit from referee favours

FC Barcelona president, Joan Laporta, has responded to Kylian Mbappe's much-talked-about move to Real Madrid, admitting that it's "not good news."

Just 48 hours after Carlo Ancelotti's side secured their 15th UEFA Champions League victory, Mbappe joined Madrid in a sensational free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain.

His arrival promises a significant boost to Los Blancos' side, which is already adorned with superstars like Vinicius Jr., Rodrygo de Goes and Jude Bellingham.

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While the White Angels enjoyed an inch-perfect campaign that ended in European and domestic glory, their rivals, Barcelona, had to play second fiddle.

According to Metro, the Blaugranas trailed Madrid by 10 points in the La Liga standings, exited the UCL at the quarter-final stage, and suffered heartbreak in the Copa del Rey.

With their arch-rivals securing the services of Mbappe, one of the world's top talents and a potential Ballon d'Or winner, Barcelona faces the prospect of tougher times ahead.

Barcelona president reacts to Mbappe's Madrid transfer

In response to Mbappe's Santiago Bernabeu debut, Laporta conceded it wasn't welcome news for the Catalan side.

“As a Culé, it's not good news," he told Barca One in an interview, as cited by GOAL.

While claiming it's not good news, the 61-year-old watered down Mbappe's transfer while insisting he is content with the club's policy of promoting the best of talents from the famous La Masia Academy.

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"We wanted to win the Champions League and go to the final in basketball, but regarding Mbappe, I like our sporting philosophy of forming a team with local players.

"I respect what the rivals do, but I'll stick with our philosophy.”

Laporta claims Madrid benefit from referee decisions

In a recent development, Joan Laporta has cast doubts on the legitimacy of Real Madrid's triumphant 2023–24 season with a daring accusation, as reported by Sports Brief.

Laporta, whose club is currently under scrutiny for alleged "active bribery" involving payments to a former referee chief, has levelled allegations against his El Clasico adversaries, insinuating that Madrid benefits from preferential treatment by referees.

He emphasised that Barcelona's innocence would serve to support his assertions.