Joan Laporta says Barcelona wanted to sign Lautaro Martínez

Direct Contact Between Laporta and Marotta

Speaking to Italian and Portuguese sports media, including the Corriere dello Sport, during the 33rd European Football Clubs (EFC) Assembly in Copenhagen, Laporta detailed how the failed transfer unfolded behind the scenes. According to the Barcelona chief, the pursuit intensified late in the summer transfer window after alternative targets proved unattainable.

“I will tell you how it happened. One day I called Beppe Marotta: him and me, without intermediaries,” Laporta said, recounting his conversation with Inter Milan president and CEO Giuseppe Marotta. “I told him that I would be delighted to have Lautaro in my team and that I admired the boy very much. But he didn’t even let me finish talking. He told me clearly that the player was not for sale and that he wouldn’t be the one deciding if he left or not.”

Barcelona’s sporting director, Deco, had previously hinted at summer discussions with the Serie A club, but Laporta’s remarks confirmed the direct nature of the approach. Despite long-standing admiration from Camp Nou, Laporta ended negotiations immediately out of deference to his counterpart in Milan.

“So I put an end to all conversations; there was no way to go further,” Laporta added. “Marotta and I have a mutual trust relationship; we didn’t go any further out of respect for him and Inter.”

Inter’s Firm Stance and Lautaro’s Loyalty

The approach tested Inter’s resolve to protect their captain, who led the club through a dominant domestic stretch. While reports in outlets like SPORT indicated that Lautaro was initially open to considering a move, the Italian club refused to entertain offers.

Laporta noted that the decision ultimately rested entirely with the club rather than the player. “We told them that, in any case, it wouldn’t be the player who would decide whether to leave or not, because Inter wanted to retain him. So, out of respect for Beppe Marotta, whom I respect very much, we stopped and that was the end of it.”

For his part, Lautaro Martínez clarified his long-term commitment to the Nerazzurri early in September. Speaking to Sky during the Gran Galà del Calcio, the 2022 Argentina World Cup winner acknowledged the perennial links to Catalonia but reaffirmed his happiness in Italy. “It is an honor that Barcelona is interested, but in my head everything is clear and my life is in Milan,” Lautaro said. “I have chosen to stay at Inter because I am doing well here and I want to stay to do even better.”

Refocusing on Hansi Flick and European Ambitions

With the pursuit of Lautaro officially shelved, Barcelona remains fully committed to its current sporting project under manager Hansi Flick. Laporta praised the German coach for revitalizing the club’s global standing and instilling a competitive edge that has positioned the Blaugrana among the favorites in the UEFA Champions League.

“This coach has convinced us. We have gone back to scaring the world,” Laporta said, though he quickly emphasized a cautious internal philosophy. “Nothing is taken for granted; we must fly low and fight for everything.”

Laporta also addressed speculation surrounding Como manager and former Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fàbregas, whose contract contains a release clause tied to potential future interest from his boyhood club. While acknowledging that Barcelona closely monitors Fàbregas’s coaching ascent, Laporta made it clear that the bench belongs firmly to Flick. “He is one of us and we are very happy with the success he is having at Como,” Laporta said of Fàbregas. “He knows our mentality and Barça’s vision better than anyone. Now, however, we have a great coach like Flick, and you have already seen what he is capable of.”

Barcelona is scheduled to face Como in European competition on January 27, 2027, a fixture Laporta noted as an opportunity to welcome Fàbregas back to the Camp Nou.