Transfer Centre

Joan Laporta reveals Barcelona's plans for summer transfer window

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 08 March 2023

Barcelona president Joan Laporta says that the club want to sign a right-back, a central defender and a centre-forward this summer.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has revealed that the club will be in the market for a right-back, a central defender and a centre-forward this summer.

The Catalan outfit, who are still dealing with financial problems, did not make any January acquisitions, but they were busy last summer, bringing in Raphinha, Jules Kounde, Robert Lewandowski, Pablo Torre, Franck Kessie, Andreas Christensen, Hector Bellerin and Marcos Alonso.

Barcelona have already won silverware this season, lifting the Spanish Super Cup in January, while they are chasing success in La Liga and the Copa del Rey.

Laporta has now detailed the club's plans for the summer transfer window, with a right-back, a central defender and a centre-forward set to be targeted.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta pictured on August 5, 2022 © Reuters

"We must sign a right-back, while a CB will depend on the market possibilities. A striker surely yes, but it is likely that someone will have to leave. We have a great midfield and I don't see the need to sign someone there," Laporta told reporters.

Barcelona boss Xavi also commented on the upcoming market, insisting that the club "will strengthen" despite their financial restrictions.

"Barca always has to reinforce the team. Whether we like it or not, this is about performance and at Barca, everything has to be excellent," Mundo Deportivo quotes him as saying.

"We are in a difficult economic situation to manage, we depend on fair play, but we will strengthen for sure."

Memphis Depay and Bellerin both left Barcelona in January, while Gerard Pique retired towards the end of last year.

Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski celebrates scoring against Manchester United on February 23, 2023 © Reuters

Barcelona continue to be heavily linked with Inigo Martinez, who only has a deal with Athletic Bilbao until the end of the season, while there have also been suggestions of interest in Manchester City centre-back Aymeric Laporte.

Sergino Dest is set to return to Camp Nou this summer following a loan spell at AC Milan, but the United States international could then depart on a permanent basis.

Barcelona currently do not have a specialist right-back in their squad, with Ronald Araujo, Kounde and Sergi Roberto all operating in that area of the field this term.

Meanwhile, Lewandowski has enjoyed a productive first season at Camp Nou, scoring 25 goals and registering six assists in 31 appearances in all competitions.

However, the Catalan outfit are short of options in the final third of the field, while Ferran Torres and Ansu Fati have struggled to impress this season, only managing five league goals between them.