Barcelona is approaching a pivotal stage, not only in terms of its sporting project but also its management. A sensitive election year looms, and with it, activity within the club’s offices is intensifying. Decision-makers are striving to establish a strong image that will convince the electorate that stability has returned and that the future is clearer.
On the surface, things appear calm, but behind the scenes, a meticulous plan is being implemented, focused on strengthening the team with players capable of making an immediate impact. The objective has not been fully revealed from the outset, but indications suggest that next summer will be anything but ordinary at Camp Nou.
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Joan Laporta is entering a crucial year as the Barcelona presidential elections approach. He is the leading candidate for re-election, relying on his second term, which has been marked by relative stability on both the financial and sporting fronts. However, Laporta is not content with the current situation; he is working to solidify his position with a series of major strategic moves.
Laporta’s plan hinges on convincing club members of his ability to return Barcelona to continental competition by signing two world-class stars during the summer transfer window—a move also aimed at winning over coach Hansi Flick.
The first name strongly linked to the move is Nico Schlotterbeck, the Borussia Dortmund defender, whom the coaching staff sees as an ideal partner for Pau Koparsi in central defense. Schlotterbeck has a release clause of around €60 million, making him a more realistic option compared to other names admired by Barcelona, such as Alessandro Bastoni and Josko Gvardiol, whose high cost puts them out of consideration.
Flick knows Schlotterbeck well from their previous experience with the German national team and is confident in his ability to quickly adapt to La Liga and succeed within the Catalan system.
The most crucial issue, however, remains the attack. Barcelona is looking for a true striker capable of succeeding Robert Lewandowski, whose contract expires on June 30th and has yet to be renewed, amidst growing speculation about a possible move to Major League Soccer. In this context, Julián Álvarez’s name has emerged as Laporta’s preferred option.
The Atlético Madrid striker, despite some dips in form, has proven himself to be among the best in the world in his position and possesses prior experience in La Liga, making him a technically sound choice.
According to German press reports, Laporta has decided to exert maximum effort to sign both Schlotterbeck and Álvarez, considering them the most attractive duo for the new project. The biggest challenge remains financial, especially since the Álvarez deal could cost around €100 million, forcing management to find innovative solutions to cover expenses without violating Financial Fair Play regulations.
In conclusion: Laporta is not only banking on the election results but also on an exceptional summer that could transform Barcelona. Successfully completing these two deals could give him a decisive boost, both on and off the pitch, before entering the battle for the club’s presidency.
