Barcelona club president Joan Laporta has insisted that his current team is ‘better’ than Real Madrid and that he is ‘satisfied’ with the business they have done in the transfer window thus far.
La Blaugrana have made two signings so far this summer after winning La Liga for the first time in four years, signing Manchester City’s treble-winning captain Ilkay Gundogan and Spain international Inigo Martinez.
Laporta did, however, miss out on his number one target during the transfer window, seeing the greatest footballer of all time Lionel Messi sign for Inter Miami due to Barça’s financial issues.
Meanwhile, their Clasico rivals Real Madrid were able to secure their number one target Jude Bellingham and beat Barça to the signing of youngster Arda Guler, however they have also suffered the loss of Karim Benzema to the Saudi Pro League.
Comparing the two teams in an interview with SPORT, Laporta said: “We have a better team than Madrid and, individually, we are also better with a certain difference from our rivals.
“As a club member and fan I am very satisfied with the team we are building. We have won the Spanish League and we can continue to exercise hegemony in this competition. I focus on making a good team over signing individuals. We have signed Gundogan and Inigo Martinez and they will give us a great performance like the others who are going to come.”
Laporta also hinted at what Barça are currently in the market for next, adding: “Maybe a full-back is missing and something in midfield.”
What we know
- Laporta insisted Barcelona have a ‘better team’ than Real Madrid despite lack of transfer activity
- Real Madrid surrendered 2022/23 La Liga title to Clasico rivals
- Barça president reveals club’s next targets in the summer window