Joan Laporta spoke. As always, he left headlines and doubts. In his interview on TV3, Barça's president addressed key figures that make waves in the market.
One of them, Erling Haaland, and the other, Nico Williams. Two very different profiles, but equally media-centric. His words, rather than clarify, seem to hide the true blaugrana plan.
The club plans to surpass the one billion revenue mark next season. With the return to Camp Nou and more income, the problems with signing and registering players will disappear.
Not thinking about Haaland? Nobody believes that
Regarding Haaland, Laporta was politically correct: "He has a contract, he has renewed, and right now it's not what we're thinking about." But that final phrase—"in life, nothing is impossible"—was enough to set off all the alarms.
The truth is that at the Sports City, Deco and Flick are clear that the Norwegian is the main target for 2026. Barça wants to return to being the epicenter of world soccer with a reliable replacement for Lewandowski.
To do this, pairing Lamine Yamal with Haaland would be a statement. Laporta knows he can't say it out loud, but the Norwegian remains the club's silent obsession.
Additionally, Barça has been working quietly for months to be in an economic position to go for the most ambitious signing since Neymar. The striker's own entourage looks favorably on a change of scenery after his time at City. Camp Nou, already remodeled, would be the ideal stage.
Barça's train has already passed for Nico Williams
In contrast, with Nico Williams, Laporta was blunt: "He was a candidate, but we have decided on Dani Olmo." The Athletic winger has missed his train, at least in blaugrana terms.
Barça highly values the talent of the younger Williams. But they also believe at Camp Nou that Olmo offers more versatility, international experience, and direct connection with the midfielders.
Additionally, the cost of Nico's signing, along with his salary, did not fit with the club's economic plans.
The decision is made. Nico will not wear the blaugrana. With Olmo, Barça believes they have that offensive profile covered to accompany Lamine, Gavi, and company.