Barcelona president announces two new signings & gives Messi verdict

During an interview, Joan Laporta gave an update on Barcelona’s transfer plans and a final verdict on a possible reunion with Lionel Messi.

Barcelona have already completed two signings ahead of the summer transfer window, according to Joan Laporta.

The club’s president also poured cold water on rumors linking Lionel Messi with a return. He didn’t name Barca’s two new signings either. Reports, however, have claimed the recruits are AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessie and Chelsea defender Andreas Christensen. The pair will be available as free agents once the contracts at their respective clubs expire at the end of the season.

“We have closed two signings already,” Laporta told RAC1 on Monday.

“I can’t give names. Let’s just say one could be a center-back and the other a midfielder.”

Could Messi return?

During the same interview, Laporta also announced a return for Messi is not on the table for this summer.

The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner has endured a mixed start to life at Paris Saint-Germain since joining the French club on a free transfer last August. This stirred rumors of a return to Camp Nou. There were even reports that Messi’s father and agent, Jorge, had approached Barcelona.

“I’ve not received a single message from Leo or his camp in that direction,” Laporta stated.

“At the moment, we’re not considering it. We’re building a young team that is starting to click. Leo is Leo. He is the best in the world, but we are not contemplating his return.”

Of his relationship with Messi, Laporta added: “Our relationship isn’t as fluid now he’s in Paris. It was not easy for me. I would have liked things to work out differently. But I could not put the club at risk. I think we did what we had to do. We don’t speak like before.”

When do Barca return to action?

Xavi Hernandez’s side return to action this Sunday at home to Sevilla in a La Liga match.

At the time of writing, Barcelona are favorites to beat their second-placed opponents. Bet365 has a home win priced at 1.50, which suggests they have a 67% chance of collecting all three points.