Laporta: “We wanted Lautaro at all costs for Barça”

Barcelona president Joan Laporta said he tried to bring Lautaro Martínez in as an attacking solution, describing a direct conversation with Inter that went nowhere. “We wanted him at all costs for Barça,” he said, adding that he called Beppe Marotta “without intermediaries.”

Barça’s plan B

Laporta said he told Marotta he’d be delighted to have Lautaro, but the Inter chief ended any talks immediately: “He told me clearly that the player isn’t for sale,” and that it wouldn’t be his decision about the striker’s future. “So I ended all the conversations,” he added, citing respect for their mutual trust.

Flick first, Fàbregas in Champions

On Cesc Fàbregas, Laporta noted the coach has a clause in Como that could make leaving easier, but he stressed that he only has eyes for Flick. He also pointed to Champions: Laporta said they’re looking forward to welcoming Fàbregas back to the Camp Nou and called the club “his home,” according to MARCA.