Mbappe or Haaland? Laporta on whether Barça can compete for the best

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has spoken about the club's chances of signing players in January or, if not possible, next summer as work to improve the squad continues.

Laporta told Diario SPORT that the club are "working hard to improve the squad at all moments. I don't know if it will be in January or at the end of the season. We're keeping an eye on movements in the market. To do that we need resources and we will ask for permission at the General Assembly to authorise us to compete at the highest level, to invest in the team and to improve it.

"Our model, aside from the system of play -- which is unwaiverable -- is also based on players coming out of La Masia. It's key to the viability of the club and its financial sustainability. There are moments when you need more or fewer signings and now we need players to make the squad more competitive.

The president added that "if there are signings, there will be exits. We have to have a balanced squad in terms of numbers. Now we have to let (the recruitment team) work and focus on having a successful season."

Asked if a star signing was possible, Laporta continued: "We are focused on having a competitive team. We have great players that are going to give us a lot of joy. But we create starts and we want to get back on that line. We're going to apply the sporting logic of not signing players for the sake of it, as has happened in the recent past."

Therefore, Laporta cannot assure that the club can aspire to a Haaland or Mbappe. “Due to prestige, knowledge and experience, we are in a position to be in that world. There is no agent who does not come to Barça to offer renowned players.

"But to compete? We are in a reconstruction phase. When they see news that Barça is given (a loan of) €600 million, they see that the club is alive and once again has the credibility it needed. Another thing is if we are interested. We'll see. It will depend on many factors."