Joan Laporta Exclusive: Barcelona president on re-signing Messi, being offered Ronaldo and avoiding bankruptcy
CBSN
In a wide-ranging interview, Barcelona president speaks of a "moral debt" to Messi and explains how he's balanced the books
NEW YORK -- Barcelona have had an incredible summer so far. President Joan Laporta has overseen a dramatic financial recovery that has allowed freedom in the transfer market.
The 26-time Spanish champions have spent around $130 million on Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha and Jules Kounde, with Franck Kessie and Andreas Christensen also arriving on free transfers. And Ousmane Dembele re-signed for the club on a 40% pay cut after his contract ran down.
Laporta still hopes to bring in two more players and resolve the future of Frenkie de Jong, with Barcelona hoping he'll half his salary. This is not only an urgent necessity but part of a wider aim to reduce the club's mass wage bill to $400 million. Manchester United have been pursuing the Dutch midfielder all summer and a sale is still not entirely ruled out.