Joan Laporta reveals Barcelona made direct approach for Inter captain in summer: ‘We didn’t want to let him slip away’ | OneFootball

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has confirmed that the Catalan club made an attempt to sign Inter Milan captain Lautaro Martinez during the summer transfer window.

It is to be remembered that sporting director Deco had previously spoken about contacts between the two clubs, but Laporta has now provided a clear account of Barcelona’s pursuit of the Argentina international.

The Barça president revealed that he personally contacted Inter chairman Beppe Marotta to discuss the possibility of a transfer, only to be told that Lautaro was not available.

Barcelona made direct approach for Lautaro Martinez

Laporta made it clear that Barcelona were serious about bringing Lautaro to the Camp Nou and considered the Inter captain an exceptional player.

At the time, the Blaugrana were looking for a direct replacement for Robert Lewandowski. With Julian Alvarez transfer facing obstacles, Barcelona turned their attention towards Lautaro Martinez.

“He’s an incredible player; we didn’t want to let him slip away at any cost. So I rang President Marotta and he told me the player wasn’t for sale,” he told Corriere dello Sport (h/t SPORT).

As it turns out, Inter’s position was firm. The Italian club did not want to sell their captain, meaning Barcelona eventually decided not to push the situation further.

Laporta also suggested that Lautaro was open to the possibility of making the move, but stressed that the player’s preference could not override Inter’s decision to retain him.

Laporta reveals Barcelona made a move for Lautaro Martinez. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)

“Inter told us ‘no’ and so we told them that, in any case, it wouldn’t be the player who decided whether or not to leave, because Inter wanted to keep him. 

“So, out of respect for Beppe Marotta, whom I respect enormously, we stopped and that was the end of it,” Laporta revealed.

That decision brought Barcelona’s pursuit to an end, despite the club’s strong admiration for the Argentine forward.

Laporta discusses Cesc Fabregas and Flick

Lautaro was not the only major topic addressed by Laporta. 

The Barcelona president was also asked about Cesc Fabregas and the possibility of the former Barça midfielder eventually returning to the club as a coach.

Fabregas has emerged as a potential future option for Barcelona, particularly given his work at Como. 

Laporta confirmed that the club is following his development closely, while making it clear that there is no immediate plan to change the coaching position.

Barcelona are indeed keeping an eye on Cesc Fabregas’ work at Como. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)

“He’s one of our own, and we’re very pleased with the success he’s enjoying at Como. He fully deserves it. We’re looking forward to welcoming him back to the Camp Nou.

“Fabregas knows our mentality and Barça’s vision better than anyone. He grew up here, and this will always be his home, and we like his approach to football. 

“Right now, however, we have a great manager in Flick. And you’ve already seen what he’s capable of.”

Barcelona president urges caution despite strong form

Lastly, Laporta also expressed his satisfaction with the direction of Barcelona’s sporting project, suggesting that the club once again belongs among the leading sides in world football.

The president was particularly impressed with the impact made by Flick and his squad, but insisted that Barcelona cannot afford to become complacent.

“We’ve given the world a scare once again. This manager has won us over. 

“But internally, we also tell ourselves to ‘fly low’, to ‘fly close to the ground’. No complacency – we must fight for everything,” he concluded.