Joan Laporta issues surprising statement on Barcelona transfer plans – “It is not mandatory”

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has cooled expectations of an automatic summer move for a new striker, insisting that the club is under no obligation to replace veteran forward Robert Lewandowski should the 37-year-old leave when his contract expires in June.

Speaking to Mundo Deportivo ahead of the upcoming presidential election, Laporta underlined that while the Catalans have the financial muscle to act in the market, reinforcing the centre-forward position is “not mandatory.”

“First, obviously Barça can sign players and we have two great centre-forwards, Ferran and Lewandowski, and I’m delighted with both of them,” Laporta said. “And then there are other players who can also play in that position: Olmo, Rashford, Lamine Yamal too, because sometimes he becomes in the front positions.”

Lewandowski, whose deal runs out in a matter of weeks, is increasingly linked with a switch to Major League Soccer, leaving Hansi Flick’s attack in a state of flux. Yet Laporta stressed that any recruitment would hinge on sporting value rather than sentiment.

“When we try to make an adjustment in some position that represents a reversal of a player, whether he is a centre-forward, midfielder, defender or goalkeeper, Barça have the ability to do so,” he continued. “Another thing is that it has to be done. No one forces us, it is not mandatory to sign (a new striker). Obviously, if we see an opportunity in the market that Deco thinks can be interesting and that it improves the group, Deco tells us and we will decide.”

The president reserved special praise for sporting director Deco, whose contract renewals have tied the club’s emerging core to long-term deals. Laporta listed Cubarsí, Bernal, Pedri, Lamine Yamal, Fermín, Olmo, Casadó, Balde, Araujo, Gerard Martín, Koundé and Eric García as players secured “until at least 30,” crediting Deco with delivering both a competitive present and a sustainable future.

“We are very satisfied with the work Deco has done,” Laporta added. “He has put together an extraordinary, excellent squad. He has been able to renew each and every one of the young players we have. That was a titanic job that I thank him enormously.”

With Barcelona expected to be active across multiple departments—central defence remains a priority—Laporta’s comments serve as a reminder that the final decision on a marquee No. 9 rests solely on opportunism, not necessity.