FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta lists 3 WISHES ahead of New Year’s Eve

Laporta wants Camp Nou's construction to be completed by November 2024.

FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta lists 3 WISHES ahead of New Year’s Eve

Barcelona's Joan Laporta lists 3 wishes for 2024. (Image via SPORT & FC Barcelona)

As 2023 comes to a close, FC Barcelona and club President Joan Laporta will look back at the year with fondness. The club managed to put an end to their La Liga drought, lifting the title for the first time since the 2018/19 season. Barcà also lifted the Spanish Super Cup. However, the latter end of the year saw the club’s form plummet, and be faced with a sharp injury crisis within the squad. As 2024 appears on the horizon, Joan Laporta has made 3 wishes that he wants to realize in the coming year.

To begin with, Barcelona are currently playing out of the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys. Laporta aims to complete the massive renovation process of the Spotify Camp Nou by the end of 2024. The Spaniard aims to complete construction and host games at the new stadium before the club’s 125th anniversary in November 2024. Secondly, Laporta aims to bring in more silverware.

YouTube video

Building on the La Liga and Super Cup from 2023, Barcelona will have a monumental task in their hands if they are to win any of La Liga, the UEFA Champions League, or the Spanish domestic cups this season. His final and most ‘complicated’ wish is to fix the club’s financial ‘crisis’.

FS Video

To meet the club’s budget for this season, Joan Laporta is tasked with bringing in €859 million and making a €11 million profit. This has to be done by not activating any more levers while also maintaining a competitive squad. The club are currently 4th in La Liga and have qualified for the Champions League RO16.

FC Barcelona welcome Vitor Roque to first club training session

The Catalans have secured their much-awaited target in Vitor Roque. The 18-year-old Brazilian forward was brought in for a fee that can go up to €71 million after add-ons. The player took part in his first training session on the 29th of January as he prepared to make his debut against UD Las Palmas in La Liga. The player joins a long list of big-name Brazilian players like Neymar Jr., Ronaldinho, and Romario.

Vitor Roque
Vitor Roque in his first Barcelona training session. (Via X/@FCBarcelona)

Roque is the latest addition to the list as the club has sped up his arrival by over six months. It was initially planned that he would join the club in June 2024. However, it is understood that Roque could have an immediate impact on the club and could make his debut as early as January. It is no secret that the youngster is prolific in front of goal. This is backed up by his 21 goals in all competitions for former club Athletico Paranaense.

A video of the youngster scoring his first goal in club training was welcomed with loud cheers by a packed audience at the Estadi Johan Cruyff. The club are currently in need of his technicality and ability in front of goal. It remains to be seen whether Xavi Hernandez will deploy him in his natural central position or be made to play on the flanks. FC Barcelona’s next game is against UD Las Palmas on the 5th of January.

In case you missed it: