Joan Laporta talks Adeyemi, Messi, Alvarez, Raphinha’s future and more — “We’re very excited” | OneFootball

Joan Laporta has touched on a host of topics surrounding Barcelona, offering updates on transfers, the futures of key players and the club’s contingent at the World Cup.

The Barcelona president was speaking to the media in Dallas, where he arrived to watch the semifinal between Spain and France, and he did not hold back on the biggest issues of the summer.

Laporta confirms Adeyemi signing

Perhaps the most eye-catching update concerned the imminent arrival of Karim Adeyemi, with Laporta confirming the club’s enthusiasm about the deal.

“We are very excited about Adeyemi. We’ve liked him for a while. He’s dangerous and fast, and Deco handled the signing very well. The news came out when it was meant to,” Laporta said (h/t Mundo Deportivo).

Raphinha going nowhere

The president also shut down any speculation surrounding Raphinha, insisting the Brazilian remains central to the club’s plans despite the arrivals in attack.

“Raphinha will stay. We have no interest in him leaving Barça. He’s a key player. With Gordon and Adeyemi, I see that we’re strengthening the attack, but that doesn’t mean we’re going to let Raphinha go, as he’s crucial for us,” he said.

Raphinha not going anywhere, says Laporta. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

“It’s a shame that last season he couldn’t be at his best in the final stages of La Liga, the Champions League, and the Copa del Rey. The results would have been different,” he added.

Laporta’s stance on Alvarez

On the long-running Julian Alvarez saga, Laporta reiterated that Barcelona would not be rushed, while confirming a firm offer remains on the table.

“Regarding the signing of Julian, obviously we’re not going to be dancing to anyone’s tune; we’ll set the pace. We’ve made an offer that isn’t unlimited, and we’ll announce when the time comes how long the offer remains valid,” he said.

The president revealed he had spoken with Atletico chief Miguel Angel Gil to clear up any confusion.

“We spoke very clearly and amicably, and I understand we have a very good relationship with them. There was some initial confusion regarding the offer we made, which I clarified. I simply told them that once they have an alternative, this offer remains valid.”

He was, however, unwilling to disclose the figures involved. “I’m not going to talk about this issue anymore because I’ve already said everything I had to say.”

Praise for the Barça contingent

Laporta was full of admiration for his players representing Spain, singling out Lamine Yamal in particular.

“I give my full support to all the Barça players who are playing in the World Cup. I know that their success is our success, and I think Lamine is having a great World Cup.

“He’s been chosen MVP in a couple of games. The others are all doing very well. Pedri, Olmo, Cubarsi… they’ve all been playing very well,” he said.

On Pedri’s rotation with the national team, the president was quick to downplay any concern.

“For me, he’s a starter, and it always shows. The thing is, there are many great players in the national team who deserve to play. But Pedri’s talent is extraordinary,” he added.

Laporta not worried about Pedri’s role in the Spain team. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Gordon, Messi and Alvarez’s brilliance

Laporta also had warm words for incoming forward Anthony Gordon, who has been on international duty with England.

“I see him excelling. The other day against Norway he made the pass for one of Bellingham’s goals, but Gordon’s pass was very good,” he said.

On Lionel Messi’s stunning World Cup with Argentina, the president was glowing.

“Messi’s World Cup is extraordinary. Eight goals, some of them of great quality, and his talent always shines through. Argentina works for Messi and is a compact unit; they are lucky to have Leo who always puts them away.”

Finally, reflecting on Alvarez’s brilliant strike against Switzerland, Laporta acknowledged the quality on show. “It was a fantastic goal,” he said, before offering a coy response when asked if he would sign him. “We’ll see about that.”