Barcelona are shaping their squad for the upcoming season, with President Joan Laporta and the club’s leadership making big decisions. The plans include retaining key players, promoting young talent, and adding new signings under new manager Hansi Flick. Barcelona has informed agent Jorge Mendes of their intention to keep both João Félix and Joao Cancelo. Laporta confirmed, “We want both Joao Félix and Joao Cancelo to stay, Deco’s working on it.” He praised Felix’ quality and noted Flick’s previous interest in him while still managing Bayern Munich.
🚨 Barça president Laporta confirms: “We want both João Félix and João Cancelo to stay, Deco’s working on it”.
“João Félix’s quality is something excellent, I’m happy with his season”.
👀🇩🇪 “Hansi Flick already wanted João Félix at Bayern”. pic.twitter.com/yz0wozWI72
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 4, 2024
Youngster Marc Casado is set to play an important role next season, with a new deal expected to extend his contract until June 2027. Laporta stated, “He’s gonna be part of the first team.” Addressing transfer market strategy, Laporta said, “I don’t think we will go for big names, as well as we don’t plan to sell our stars. We also have our own talents who could cover those positions.”
Laporta emphasized the club’s financial stability, “We do not need to sell one top player, with the current financial situation it’s not needed.” He also highlighted Lewandowski’s commitment, “Robert Lewandowski has rejected important financial proposals to stay at Barcelona.” Victor Roque is adapting well to Barcelona, with Laporta saying, “He’s adapting to our world, our club, and new environment, he’s getting the right rhythm.”
On Hansi Flick’s appointment, Laporta revealed, “I started thinking of Flick as Barça manager since I re-joined the club. All the reports we have on Flick were super positive. Flick had to be our coach.” Reflecting on the transition from Xavi to Flick, the President said, “Xavi told me that he trusted this team, but then some of his statements looked like he changed his speech. I had the feeling that I had to do a change, also with the same feeling shared with the board.”