“We have a better team than Real Madrid”

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has fanned the flames ahead of another potential La Liga title race with Real Madrid next season.

The Blaugrana outlasted their El Clásico rivals in the title race last season, winning their first La Liga title since 2019. They did so by boasting a 10-point lead over Los Blancos.

Real Madrid responded with two big signings, luring Jude Bellingham (€103m) and Arda Guler (€20m) to the Santiago Bernabéu. Many are expecting a more closely fought title race between El Clásico rivals.

However, Laporta insists that Barcelona still has a stronger team than Real Madrid. The Spaniard is happy with the team the Catalan giants are building, telling SPORT:

“We have a better team than Real Madrid and, individually, we are also better with some difference than our rivals. As a member and fan, I am very satisfied with the team we are building.”

Laporta continued to insist that he does not look to other teams when dealing with Barcelona’s transfer business:

“We already have a very competitive squad. We won La Liga and we can continue to exercise dominance in this competition. I focus on making a good team rather than contract individuals. We have signed Gundogan and Anigo Martínez and they will give us as much performance as the others who are to come.”

Barcelona have made two signings in the window so far, bringing Ilkay Gundogan to Catalonia on a free transfer. The German arrived from the back of Manchester City’s treble-winning campaign in which he led Pep Guardiola’s men.

Meanwhile, Inigo Martínez arrived on a free transfer adding more strength to Xavi’s backline. Spanish journalist Roger Torello also reports that Barcelona are set to confirm the signing of Brazilian great Vitor Roque from Atlético Paranaense tomorrow (July 12).

Barcelona sporting director Deco feels used to Real Madrid’s acquisition of Arda Guler

Real Madrid beat Barcelona to the signing of Guler from Fenerbahçe with the young Turkish player signing a six-year contract at the Bernabéu.

The Blaugrana appear to be close to signing the 18-year-old but he has opted to join Los Blancos. According to SPORT, Barcelona’s sporting director, Deco, feels he has been used as a pawn in the process that saw the striker join Madrid.

Deco feels he is used to extracting more money from Real Madrid for Guler. The teenager was dubbed the “Turkish Messi”. However, he will not play for the legendary striker’s former club.

Guler caught the eye with his impressive performance with Fenerbahce. He scored nine goals and provided 12 assists in 51 matches at Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium.