Barcelona president Joan Laporta has explained in an interview with Spanish newspapers why the club had broken negotiations with Arda Güler. The eighteen-year-old Turk was recently presented to Real Madrid.
Laporta addresses Real transfer Güler
Barcelona and Real Madrid recently battled for the signature of the sought-after Güler. The teenager eventually decided to sign with the Royal. The fight between Real and the Spanish champion was not fiscally responsible, according to Laporta, president of Barça.
In an interview shared with Sport and Mundo Deportivo, Laporta stated, “We left the bargaining table because of the enormity of this operation. Continuing the discussion regarding Güler was not a good idea. Without having to engage in such a bidding battle, we can also entice additional strong players. There are moments when we truly must draw the line.”
Güler signed a six-year contract with Real Madrid last week, which is reported to have paid €20 million for the midfielder, who joined from Fenerbahçe. The four-time Turkish international has been linked to almost all top clubs in England, Italy and Germany and there have been rumours of interest from Ajax.
Reconciliation with La Liga boss
Laporta also spoke during the interview about his meeting with La Liga president Javier Tebas, with whom he and Barcelona have regularly clashed. Tebas was asked to depart by Barça a few weeks ago. “I decided to go to Tebas at his house in Huesca. We conversed nicely in a low voice. Tebas has a strong personality, and in a uniquely special way, I have too. But I feel comfortable around him, and it seems like we have a lot in common,” the president of Barcelona added.
Barça can only register thirteen players, Laporta remains calm
The financial problems continue to haunt Barcelona, also towards the new season in which the Spanish title can be extended. For the time being, Barça have only been able to register thirteen players for the new season, but chairman Joan Laporta does not expect any further problems.
News of Barça’s thirteen registered players leaked shortly before Laporta held a double interview with Sport and Mundo Deportivo. The club is bound by a budget by La Liga financial rules. And without the sale of players there is no financial capacity to sign up all the players.
This was also the case last season with some signings and more recently Gavi’s registration was cancelled. Barcelona made a deal with the talented midfielder. But La Liga did not give permission to register the contract with the new financial figures. Barça still got permission through a lawsuit.
At the moment, Barça does not have the registrations in order, but Laporta said in the interview with Sport and Mundo Deportivo that he does not expect any further problems with this season’s acquisitions. “We will register Inigo Martínez and Ilkay Gündogan without any problems,” said the club’s policymaker.
Barcelona has already done some good business in the big clean-up. For example, it was previously announced that Antoine Griezmann left the club permanently. And some big earners have left with Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets and Samuel Umtiti.
