Laporta reveals why Lautaro Martinez move fell through, rules out Fabregas’ Barcelona return | OneFootball

Barcelona President Joan Laporta says he spoke directly with Beppe Marotta about a potential Lautaro Martinez transfer, but the Inter President ‘didn’t even let me finish speaking.’

Barcelona tried to sign Inter star Lautaro Martinez during the summer transfer window, but the Nerazzurri refused to sell their captain.

Laporta reveals call with Marotta over Lautaro

BARCELONA, SPAIN – JULY 25: FC Barcelona President Joan Laporta faces the media during the unveiled of Hansi Flick as new FC Barcelona Coach at Spotify Camp Nou on July 25, 2024 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

During an interview with Corriere della Sera, Laporta explained exactly how talks with the Nerazzurri unfolded this past August.

“I’ll tell you what happened. One day I called Marotta. He and I, no intermediaries. I told him I would have loved to have Lautaro on my team because I admire the guy so much,” Laporta said.

“But he didn’t even let me finish speaking. He made it clear the player wasn’t for sale and that it wouldn’t be up to him to decide whether or not to move. So I stopped the whole line of thought; there was no way to take it any further. Marotta and I have a relationship based on mutual trust. We didn’t go any further out of respect for him and for Inter.”

ROME, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 19: Lautaro Martinez of FC Internazionale Milano celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the Serie A match between AS Roma and FC Internazionale at Stadio Olimpico on September 19, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

Laporta also answered a couple of questions about Como coach Fabregas, a product of the Barcelona academy and an ex first-team player at the Camp Nou.

Fabregas’ Como will visit Barcelona in the final round of the league phase of the Champions League on January 27, 2027.

“Cesc is doing a great job. I really like his mentality,” Laportsa said.

“He knows the Barcelona philosophy really well, and he’s brought it to Como. We have a similar playing style, and it will be nice to face them in the Champions League. The club is growing a lot. They have high-level players.”

COMO, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 10: Cesc Fabregas, Manager of Como 1907, celebrates after the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Como 1907 and RB Leipzig at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on September 10, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)

When asked whether he’s already considering bringing Fabregas back as a coach in the future, Laporta replied: “No, we are happy with our coach. We love him, and he’s giving us great satisfaction.”

Last but not least, the Catalans’ president backed Lamine Yamal for winning the Ballon d’Or.

“Lamine deserves it. He’s the first on the list and is ready to win it. It’s his moment,” he concluded.

“He’s a player with the quality of the greatest players in history, like Ronaldinho, Messi, and Neymar. Players who have entertained the fans.”