Joan Laporta gives significant Barcelona registration update, talks Ter Stegen and Inigo Martinez exit | OneFootball

Joan Laporta has always been a vocal figure, and that remains true even today. The Barcelona president is known for his personality, and it continues to be both a good and bad thing simultaneously. Still, he continues to work for the betterment of the club.

One of the priorities for both Barça and Laporta this summer is the registration of players. An issue that has continuously pestered the Catalan side, many had hoped that it would have been resolved by now.

However, as quoted by SPORT, Laporta has now provided a significant update on the issue and seems to be confident that positive news could be on its way. Still, he did subtly mention that a delay could potentially be a possibility as well:

“We’re working to make it happen. With Marc’s decision, we now have the option to register Joan Garcia, and we’re working on the rest. We should have news this week — hopefully good — to see if we can get it done before the league starts. And if not, we still have some leeway.”

Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images

He was also asked to address the topic of Marc-Andre Ter Stegen, with the German player having just recently authorised the club to send his medical report to La Liga:

“We’re looking ahead. Marc is our captain — I think he’s been outstanding. Whatever needed to be sorted has been. He spoke very sincerely, I believe, and the fans needed to see that — their captain leading the way. He’s been at Barça for 12 seasons, he’s won a Champions League, and aside from being a great goalkeeper, he’s a great person. I’m especially happy he’s our captain.”

Laporta also spoke about Inigo Martinez’s departure to Al-Nassr, which was reportedly a move that was made possible thanks to the existence of a gentleman’s agreement between Barcelona and the Spanish veteran:

“As Deco said, we had five centre-backs, and others who could fill in there too, so this opportunity came up. I think he would’ve liked to stay one more season, but he’s 34, and sometimes these trains only come once. I think he made the right call. He came here for free, and we’d already told him that if something like this came along, we’d make it easy for him. All I can say is: Zorionak and Eskerrik Asko (congratulations and thank you).”

As for what is next for Barcelona, that would be their La Liga opener against RCD Mallorca. After having just recently dismantled Italian side Como, the team led by Hansi Flick should be feeling confident about their chances ahead of the official season.