Laporta won the race to become the new Barcelona president on March 7| All Football

Joan Laporta won the race to become the new Barcelona president on March 7.

But that must feel like child's play when he considers some of the battles that he is having to fight in his second stint in the Blaugrana hot seat.

We look at his in-tray as the 2021/22 season approaches.

LaLiga Santander

The COVID-19 pandemic slashed a hole in Barcelona's finances to the tune of between 250 and 300 million euros.

That has led to the club needing to reduce their exorbitant wage bill, which has to be less than 70 percent of their revenue.

Laporta is doing everything he can to get to this point, negotiating to either remove players or decrease salaries.

He also wants some flexibility from LaLiga president Javier Tebas, but that doesn't appear forthcoming.

This one could run and run.

Laporta has long wanted Lionel Messi to stay and has spoken to the player and his father.

Indeed, they came to an agreement in principle a month ago, but the deal is dependent on the aforementioned wage bill issue being resolved.

Ousmane Dembele has had an up-and-down stay at the Camp Nou.

But the noises emanating from both the Frenchman and club signal a renewal of his deal, which is due to run out next June.

He has the support of Ronald Koeman - now he needs to deliver.

The likes of Gerard Pique, Sergio Busquets, Sergi Roberto and Jordi Alba have been asked to take pay cuts to stay at the club.

And whilst Laporta hasn't got the OK from all of them yet, it looks like he will - and that would be one item off his mind.

Ilaix Moriba, the latest La Masia star, has a choice - either accept the contract offer that is on the table, or leave.

Laporta won't be budging from the terms proposed, and it's now up to the 18-year-old to decide.

What's certain is that Ilaix won't be allowed to leave for free, which he could do next summer when his contract expires.

So, one way or another, there will be movement here soon.

The pandemic and the economic mistakes of predecessor Josep Maria Bartomeu meant that Laporta needed to find funds to keep the club solvent.

Goldman Sachs have stepped in with a 500 million euro loan, which at least means the club can meet its obligations in the immediate term.

Laporta has stayed clear in his outlook that the European Super League will one day happen, and that it would bring important funds to football.

That is at odds with UEFA, who he remains defiant towards.

For now this situation is parked, but it will rear its head again before too long.