Laporta Confirms Adeyemi Signing, Assures Raphinha Stays at Barcelona

Pulse Sports Team 09:32 - 13 July 2026

Barcelona President Joan Laporta has arrived in Dallas, Texas, where he will attend the semi-final match between Spain and France. Speaking to the media awaiting him outside his hotel, he addressed several pressing topics, from the Julian Alvarez situation to Karim Adeyemi, Raphinha, Lamine Yamal, Pedri, and Anthony Gordon.

"We are very excited about Adeyemi. We've liked him for a long time. He's dangerous and fast, and the transfer was handled exceptionally well by Deco," Laporta stated.

Regarding the future of the Brazilian winger, the president was unequivocal: "Raphinha will stay. We have no interest in him leaving Barça. He is a fundamental pillar. With Gordon and Adeyemi, we are strengthening our attack, but that doesn't mean we'll part ways with Raphinha, who is crucial for us. It's a shame that last season he couldn't be at full throttle at the end of the La Liga, Champions League, and Cup campaigns. The results would have been different."

Upon his arrival, Laporta explained the purpose of his visit: "I'm here to support the Spanish national team against France, which will be a tough match. I think now is the time to be here and offer support. We have many Barça players in the national team who will surely be very happy. I feel for Jules (Kounde) because he's with France. On the other hand, we have Gordon with England. We are well represented here, but I'm here to support the Spanish team."

Laporta also commented on Lamine Yamal's form: "I see him in good shape, of course. I give my full support to all Barça players participating in the World Cup. I know their success is our success, and I think Lamine is having a fantastic World Cup. He's been named Man of the Match several times. All the others are also doing very well. Pedri, Olmo, and Cubarsi have all played... Everyone is performing exceptionally well."

Laporta also praised Anthony Gordon's performance in the matches against Mexico and Norway: "Very good, I see how he breaks through defenses. The other day against Norway, he assisted one of Bellingham's goals, who scored two very beautiful goals, but Gordon's pass was excellent."

Regarding the possibility of Ferran Torres moving to Paris Saint-Germain, he said: "I heard something about that, but we have no official information. He is a Barça player, one of our 14 players here. Ferran is also doing very well. Every time he comes on, he creates danger. He made that pass to Merino, which was very good. We have great players at the World Cup, and that's why I'm here."

Asked about Pedri's status as a substitute for the national team, he downplayed the situation: "Well, a substitute... it's more about managing his energy than being a reserve. For me, he's a starter, and that's always evident. In all the matches he's played, he's performed well. It's just that the national team has many great players who deserve to play. But Pedri's talent is exceptional."

When asked about Lionel Messi, who is already in the semi-finals with Argentina, he said: "Messi's World Cup is extraordinary. Eight goals, some of great quality, and his talent always prevails. I think other players are also important in the world of football, but their age shows because they don't have Leo's talent. Argentina works for Messi, and they are lucky to have Leo, who always scores."

Regarding Julian Alvarez, he commented that his goal against Switzerland was "great." When asked if he would sign him, he replied: "We'll see about that."

"Regarding Julian's transfer, we obviously won't be dancing to anyone else's tune; we will set the rhythm. We made an offer that is not open-ended, and at the appropriate time, we will state how long it will remain valid. The offer was made with the desire to sign a player liked by the sporting management and the coach. I believe he is a great footballer. We are maintaining a significant offer, but it won't be indefinite," Laporta insisted.

"I spoke with Miguel Angel Gil. We have a very good relationship with them. Initially, there was some confusion about the offer we made, and I clarified it for him. We haven't put any more pressure; I simply told him that from the moment they have an alternative, this offer is valid, and things have remained there, without further development for now," Laporta added.

The "Blaugrana" president declined to reveal details about the amount of the offer for the Argentine forward: "I will not discuss this topic further because I have already said everything I had to say."

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