The Barcelona president gave the first press conference since his election, during which he discussed several topics, including the future of Messi.
Messi wants Barcelona
Joan Laporta has given Barcelona supporters hope that Lionel Messi will extend his stay with the club. The Barcelona president gave the first press conference since his election, during which he discussed several topics, including the future of Messi. “Messi’s question is going well, but it has not been done,” Laporta confirmed during a press conference. “Messi wants Barcelona. We are doing our best within our possibilities. Although we all know that he is an all-wanted player, we have the idea that on both sides, we are preparing everything necessary, within the club’s power, for him to stay.” There have been talks that Laporta would rather sack Ronald Koeman and make his appointment if an option arises that he likes, but he made it clear that negotiations with the Dutchman will continue next week.
Ronald Koeman has one more year on contract
“There are no transitional seasons at Barcelona,” Laporta said. “Because of the admiration we have for Koeman and the respect we have for him as a professional, we said that at the end of the season, we would evaluate him. We had a meeting, and now we have set a date for next week to finalise the decision. He has one more year on contract. Yesterday he had an episode that saw that he needed to go to the hospital, but he is fine. I called him that I want understanding and acceptance from everyone involved in this project. I can tell Ronald what I think and vice versa; he can tell me, always with respect. I told him what I had to tell him: that we are evaluating and analysing the season.”
“We have a clear and direct relationship. Ronald is a coach who was already there, and he still has one more year to make his deal.” Georginio Wijnaldum’s agents have been at Camp Nou this week. The Dutch midfielder is believed to be on the verge of joining Barcelona, with Laporta confirming that there will be transfer announcements shortly.