Barcelona president teases another new signing, insists club back to 1:1 rule – ‘We are excited’

It has been an eventful set of weeks in Catalonia with Barcelona now completely locked into the summer transfer window. After all, the sporting management and administration have identified areas of weakness and are determined to bridge the gaps.

Earlier today, the club confirmed their first signing of the summer in Joan Garcia, the Espanyol star who made the brave move to Barcelona despite the backlash.

Concurrently, however, the Catalan media has been filled with rumours of the club’s interest in Nico Williams in recent days. Joan Laporta and Co., needless to say, are burning the midnight oil.

Laporta’s update

Speaking at the annual FC Barcelona senate, club president Joan Laporta gave a detailed analysis of the club’s economic and sporting progress, the new signings, and planning ahead of next season.

He began with a bombshell, announcing the signing of Joan Garcia as the team’s first new recruit of the season and relaying that they are working on another transfer as well.

“We are about to make an imminent signing [Joan Garcia] and another that we are very excited about his incorporation,” likely hinting towards Nico Williams.

He then provided an update on the club’s return to the 1:1 rule, something he is confident is in effect but La Liga president Javier Tebas has openly dismissed.

“We are within the 1:1 rule,” he said, opposing Tebas’ views.

“The fact of having positive results and the reduction of the payroll, brought us to the 1:1. It is what allowed us to register Dani Olmo and Pau Víctor, and now we are in that bracket,” he added.

He then went on to relay the plethora of factors that have helped them return to the 1:1.

“Arriving at the semifinals of the Champions League has driven us to this.”

“We are not perfect, but with us, Barça wins. We do not want any other administration to suffer what we have suffered economically. You can see what we are doing,” he added on the work being done by his board.

He then added that the return to the Spotify Camp Nou would play a key role in the team’s return to a better financial state, saying,

“The plan is to return in September of this year. It’s talked to La Liga. In August we will return to Spotify Camp Nou with the Joan Gamper Trophy.”

Speaking on Barcelona’s recent season where they won the domestic treble, the president said,

“The team has achieved a historic season. We have encountered many obstacles.”

“I am very happy because of the successes that have been achieved, with three titles and the way we have won them, I see Barcelona happy. It was one of the goals set when we decided to run the club,” he added.

Finally, he praised Deco for all his work behind the scenes and the responsibility the sporting director takes.

“We are very happy with Deco and all the people around him. Just like Hansi and his staff. I don’t want to forget the great work that Carles Minarro did.”

Source: SPORT