Laporta: Barcelona are 'back' as major players in the transfer market

  /  autty

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has told the world of football that his side is back as a major player in the transfer market, despite debts of over £1billion.

The Spanish giants have signed Ferran Torres from Manchester City for £55m and speaking at his unveiling, Laporta sent out a warning shot when asked about any interest in Erling Haaland at Borussia Dortmund.

'Everybody in the world should get ready, as we are back as big players in the market. Barca are back,' he claimed.

But his words must surely be taken with caution, as Barcelona need to trim their wage bill before they can even register Torres as their own player.

Furthermore, it was Laporta himself who said Barcelona's 'very worrying' debt stands at €1.35billion (£1.13bn) - debt rose by €200m between January and August 2021.

A number of players took a wage cut in order for Barcelona to register the free agents they signed in last summer's transfer window.

Haaland, meanwhile, is one of the most coveted talents in Europe and will undoubtedly be central to a major transfer tussle in the summer.

He has scored 24 goals in 19 appearance for both club and his country, Norway, so far this season.

Barcelona defeated Real Mallorca 1-0 in LaLiga on Sunday night, a victory which moves them just a point off the Champions League places. Luuk de Jong scored the decisive goal in the 44th minute.

They are fifth on 31 points and Atletico Madrid currently occupy the position above them.

Related: Borussia Dortmund Barcelona Haaland
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