'Nico was one of the candidates, but we decided to go for Olmo'

BeSoccer 2 months ago 2.5k
Joan Laporta took stock of Barcelona's season. Screenshot/TV3

Barcelona's president Joan Laporta appeared in an interview for ‘TV3’ and reviewed the season of the Catalan team. One of the topics he discussed was about the renewals of Lamine Yamal and Hansi Flick, admitting that they are agreed, but not yet signed. He also talked about the failed signing of Nico Williams last summer.

Joan Laporta gave an interview for the program 'Nit de campions', on 'TV3', in which he took stock of Barcelona's season with only one game left to close a year in which they have won three titles and have returned to compete head to head in all competitions.

One of the topics that Laporta was asked about was renewals. He admitted that both Flick and Lamine are almost ready: "Flick is not yet renewed: it has been agreed, but not signed".

"It has been discussed, everything is very well prepared, but the signature is missing and I can't say that something that is not done is done. But I can say that it has been worked on and Lamine is an exceptional person, more mature than his age. The salary has to be... it has to correspond to his importance in the team, he has to have a special treatment, no matter the age. It is a case that is out of the norm, I think we will have him for many years. It will be interesting the approach over time: we hope there will be understanding from the other side," he said about the 'Cules' star.

Laporta responded to one of the summer's transfer sagas which was the frustrated signing of Nico Williams: "Nico Williams was one of the candidates. In the end, we decided to go for Dani Olmo. At the moment, I believe that the sporting management is considering other options".

On Haaland's rumours: "In life, almost nothing is impossible, but I think at the moment it's not what we're thinking about. Such an incorporation."

Laporta also boasted about the victories over Madrid: "We have competed very well. There are five, also the one in the United States and the four official ones. Every year we will start from scratch. We have to be aware and that's why Hansi and Deco are working on it to be more competitive."

Mentioned in the news story

Athletic
Barcelona
Dani Olmo
Nico Williams