Joan Laporta can no longer hide his euphoria. The president is experiencing one of the sweetest moments of his second term after an absolutely brilliant season. Last summer, when the team was emotionally down, with a divided locker room and no clear direction, he bet on Flick to take the reins.
The result of that bet has been unbeatable: Barça has won La Liga, the Spanish Super Cup, and the Copa del Rey. A national treble that ends a drought of important titles and consolidates the project led by Laporta and Flick. The team has shown remarkable evolution, both in play and character, and has regained Europe's respect.
Laporta wants a big market move
But Laporta's euphoria is not just about the titles. The president wants to culminate this great project with a statement in the transfer market. He believes it is the ideal time to add a standout piece that elevates the team's level and also excites the fans.
That signing would be the icing on the cake, a way to tell the world that Barça is back to stay. Laporta wants to replicate the effect he caused in his previous term with high-profile signings, and he knows this summer is a perfect opportunity. Institutionally and sportingly, the club has regained credibility and now wants to translate it into a market operation that reinforces that message.
Barça trusts some sales will help with signings
However, it will not be easy. The main obstacle Barça faces is the salary cap, currently exceeded. La Liga requires the club to balance its accounts to register new players, and that inevitably involves generating income.
In this regard, one of the options the club doesn't rule out is the sale of Ronald Araujo. The Uruguayan center-back has a release clause of 65 million euros in effect for this summer. His departure would be painful, but it would allow the club to lighten the wage bill and move closer to complying with financial fair play.
The signing Laporta dreams of
If there is one name that especially appeals to Laporta, it is Rafael Leão. According to "El Nacional," the Portuguese winger is the president's great desire to strengthen the attack. His power, creativity, and goal-scoring instinct fit perfectly with what the club is looking for.
Additionally, he has a key ally for this operation, which is Jorge Mendes. The relationship between Laporta and Mendes is excellent, and that friendship could pave the way for Leão to wear the Barça colors. Although it will not be an easy operation, due to the cost and competition from other clubs, at Barça they believe the signing is possible.