Laporta talks Flick, Araujo, Lewandowski, Eric, transfer plans – ‘We’re capable of making a significant investment’ | OneFootball

Joan Laporta, president of FC Barcelona, did not close the door on Barça reinforcing the squad with a centre back in the upcoming winter transfer window.

The departure of Inigo Martinez in the summer, which left the team without a natural left-footed centre back, has now been followed by Ronald Araujo’s indefinite absence as he recovers mentally.

Given these circumstances, Laporta explained at the Foros de Vanguardia event that Deco is exploring market opportunities.

“Deco is working hard. There may certainly be opportunities in the market. Everything has to be thoroughly studied. I can’t say who we will sign, but we will be ready,” he said.

Laporta highlighted the work of the coach, Hansi Flick, amidst this, saying: “Flick is getting the most out of our players. Gerard Martin as a left-sided centre-back and Eric is very versatile.”

The club president also confirmed that they will complete Eric Garcia’s contract renewal next week, stating: “Next Thursday we will present the agreement for his renewal.”

Regarding Araujo’s situation, the Barça president reiterated his unconditional support for the Uruguayan defender.

“We have to support Araujo. He expressed his gratitude to me and said he’d be motivated again. These are delicate matters, and we have to let the professionals handle it. He’s a very sensitive and emotional man. He sent me a kind message.

“He’s a player we need. We don’t have anyone with his characteristics. He had the misfortune of going in too aggressively. He shouldn’t have been shown the first card, and he’s upset. Flick and Deco are working on it.”

Alongside the option of a potential centre-back in January, Laporta was also asked about the need to find a replacement for Robert Lewandowski next summer, bearing in mind that the Polish striker’s contract expires and he will turn 38 in August.

Not ruling out January signings. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

“You’ll have to discuss this with Deco. We’ll see how Lewy’s season goes. He was injured and he’s scoring goals. He’s a well-liked player in the dressing room. He has a good relationship with the younger players and gives them good advice,” he explained.

“We have players for whom we might need some replacements. Deco is working on it, more for the summer than the winter.”

Despite the club’s delicate financial situation, Laporta said: “We’re capable of making a significant investment, but we won’t go crazy with signings. There are financial options available to Barça.

“If we think we need to sign a specific player to fix the team, we can certainly do it, but it’s not necessary. We’re a team with a very strong, defined core. Many players don’t work out, and there are examples; we all think the same.

“Barça can handle any investment if we deem it necessary. We don’t need to break the bank.”

Talking about Hansi Flick and the recent viral image of the manager looking dejected after the win against Deportivo Alaves, Laporta elaborated:

“We can rest easy. Flick is doing well in Barcelona. He’s a man with clear ideas and he’s enjoying himself. He’s very demanding, both of himself and the squad. I like that he doesn’t dwell on complaints. He always looks for solutions and finds them.

“He’s a very energetic person. A German guy, but with a lot of sensitivity. He has a group with a different code of conduct. I’m very happy with Flick. There’s no need to worry about him.

“On the day of the Alaves match, he was angry because Marcus Sorg and De la Fuente were sent off. Raphinha acted as captain and went there. Afterwards, we went down to celebrate the 126th anniversary with everyone and a cake.

“He’d already calmed down. I saw him today and he was motivated. The day after that whole incident, he told me we were top of the league.”

Source: Mundo Deportivo