BARCELONA
Laporta says Barcelona will sign a player in the January window
The president has committed to reinforce the squad in the winter transfer window. "We've looked into way to sign someone and we'll do it," he explained.
Joan Laporta stated that he is committed to strengthing the squad in next month's transfer window. In a video released on Friday, the Barcelona president said he will do everything possible to sign at least one player in the January window.
Laporta explained: “We share the deception at being eliminated from the Champions League. We are all in agreement that we need to reinforce the first team, the problem is that we have inherited high-paying contracts which means that we don't have much margin when it comes to salaries, we have been looking into ways as to how we can strengthen the team and we will do it, all I ask is that we all row in the same direction”.
Ferran Torres, Barcelona's prime target
Following the defeat to Bayern at Allianz Arena, Barcelona's president promised coach Xavi Hernández that the board would do everything in its power to reinforce the team's attack. Laporta's idea is to sign two players in the January window to resolve the team's problems scoring goals. The board's number one objective remains Manchester City's Ferran Torres.
According to Sport journalist Gerard Romero, Barcelona are preparing an offer of 45 million euros plus 15 in add-ons which they hope will lure Torres to Camp Nou next month.
However, in Manchester, City officials rate the player's market value upwards of 70 million. Guardiola's philosophy about letting players leave is very clear - if any player wants to leave, the club won't stand in their way as long as offers meet their financial criteria. And City are not prepared to go any lower than 70 million.