Joan Laporta says Barcelona are ‘back’ as major players in the transfer market amid interest in Erling Haaland… despite debts of over £1BILLION and being unable to register Ferran Torres until they slash their wage bill
- Joan Laporta has previously spoken of Barcelona’s debts of over £1billion
- But they still managed to splash out £55m on Ferran Torres from Man City
- Laporta was bullish when quizzed over Barca’s interest in Erling Haaland
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has told the world of football that his side is back as a major player in the transfer market, despite debts of over £1billion.
The Spanish giants have signed Ferran Torres from Manchester City for £55m and speaking at his unveiling Laporta sent out a warning shot when asked about any interest in Erling Haaland at Borussia Dortmund.
‘Everybody in the world should get ready, as we are back as big players in the market. Barca are back,’ he claimed.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta says his side are back as major players in the transfer market
His response came from a question about Barca’s interest in signing Erling Haaland
But his words must surely be taken with caution, as Barcelona need to trim their wage bill before they can even register Torres as their own player.
Furthermore, it was Laporta himself who said Barcelona’s ‘very worrying’ debt stands at €1.35billion (£1.13bn) – and that debt rose by €200m between January and August 2021.
A number of players took a wage cut in order for Barcelona to register the free agents they signed in last summer’s transfer window.
Haaland, meanwhile, is one of the most coveted talents in Europe and will undoubtedly be central to a major transfer tussle in the summer due to his £64m release clause which is soon to become active.
Barcelona splashed out £55m to sign Ferran Torres from Manchester City this month
They are a point off the Champions League places after beating Real Mallorca on Sunday
He has scored 24 goals in 19 appearance for both club and his country, Norway, so far this season.
Barcelona defeated Real Mallorca 1-0 in LaLiga on Sunday night, a victory which moves them just a point off the Champions League places. Luuk de Jong scored the decisive goal in the 44th minute.
They are fifth on 31 points and Atletico Madrid currently occupy the position above them.
