Laporta sets the record straight on Blaugrana’s economic management

While Barça’s finances have been far from healthy for several seasons, this situation does not seem to prevent the Catalan club from making XXL recruitment this season. Indeed, the arrivals of Lewandowski, Raphinha and Koundé have cost a total of around 150 million euros in transfer compensation. Yet, to date, the Catalan club have only recouped €20m from Coutinho’s sale to Aston Villa. Despite the “economic levers” found by the Catalan club, the situation raises questions among observers. Asked about this during an interview with CBS Sport, Joan Laporta spoke about the finances of FC Barcelona.

“The club has a payroll 40% higher than that of our competitors. We have to reduce that and it’s not easy. But the players we’re talking about – who took pay cuts – all love Barca. They cut their salaries for the love of the club. All players, new and old, understand the constraints. They are aware that they can be part of one of the most lavish periods in the club’s history. For me, the players we signed this summer are investments, not expenses. New signings are adjusting their salaries to the new structure we have created and all we are asking is that the current squad, where possible, do the same. We have to act this way or the club will probably disappear. We don’t want to take any risks with the club. I love Barcelona. So you can imagine, I don’t make any decision that risks the future of the club and our 122 year history. It will be very difficult for anyone to harm the club with me as president because I am here to protect Barcelona. I feel the confidence of the fans and what I want to do is bring back the lavish moments of my first period as president. »