Arda Güler was one of Joan Laporta's great frustrated dreams during the summer of 2023. The then Fenerbahçe attacking midfielder ended up choosing Real Madrid over Barça, despite last-minute attempts by the blaugrana club. That decision hurt inside Camp Nou, but now it could have a great revenge.
Two years later, Joan Laporta has managed to finalize the signing of a midfielder whom many consider even better. Not only is he younger, cheaper, and with greater room for growth: he has also been followed by half of Europe. According to internal sources, he is even compared to candidates to win the Ballon d'Or in the next decade.
Laporta anticipates and signs a new gem
With the pressure to strengthen Barça's future without mortgaging its present, Laporta has found a unique opportunity. He is a player only 18 years old, creative, talented, and with a left foot reminiscent of Güler's. The club has acted with discretion and determination to prevent him from slipping away this time.
Several Premier League clubs were also interested and had submitted concrete proposals to the player's entourage. Among them, names like Arsenal, Chelsea, or Liverpool had shown their willingness to bid. However, the footballer was clear: he wanted to play for Barça.
Inside the locker room, it is already being said that he could be one of the great names of the future. The sporting management has drawn up a specific plan for his adaptation, which includes physical work and psychological monitoring. Everything is designed to facilitate his breakthrough in the next two years.
Although he will start at Barça Atlètic, it is not ruled out that he will take part in preseason with the first team. Hansi Flick has already been informed of the operation and is willing to give him minutes if he shows the required level. The excitement in the offices is at its peak: they believe they have discovered a gold mine.
The perfect revenge after Güler
Laporta himself has hinted that this operation could mark a turning point in the project. It is not just a response to the Arda Güler case, but a conscious commitment to a model based on emerging talent. This time, Barça has been faster, more convincing, and more visionary.
The player will arrive for a cost much lower than that of the Turk who went to Madrid. It is estimated that the signing has been closed at about €500,000 ($500,000) for 50% of the rights, plus variables that could raise the operation to €2 million ($2 million). A negligible figure if his real potential is confirmed.
The protagonist of this story is Lovro Chelfi, a Croatian attacking midfielder only 18 years old, who arrives from NK Kustošija. Left-footed, with great vision, a good shot from outside the box, and a lot of personality. Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that the signing is official and that Barça has beaten the English competition.
Chelfi, already compared to names like Luka Modric or even Andrés Iniesta for his technical style, will have a reserve team contract. There is no doubt that the first team will keep a very close eye on him. Laporta believes he could be the new Ballon d'Or... and this time, Barça has won the battle.