Joan Laporta reveals why Barcelona keep poaching Chelsea transfer targets like Kounde following dinner with Todd Boehly.
Joan Laporta, president of Barcelona, has disclosed that players have chosen the Nou Camp over Chelsea because of their vision and manager Xavi.
To the dismay of new owner Todd Boehly, the Blaugrana beat the Blues to several of their top targets this summer.
Raphinha, a Brazilian winger, turned down a move to Stamford Bridge for the Catalan club after Chelsea and Leeds reached an agreement.
The same thing happened to center-back Jules Kounde, who resisted moving to Chelsea in favor of Barcelona.
Even though Robert Lewandowski was wanted by the West London team, the legendary Bayern Munich player only had eyes on the Spanish team.
Ousmane Dembele, a French forward, appeared to be on his way to Chelsea on a free transfer only to decide to stay at Barcelona longer.
And things could become worse for Chelsea as Barcelona tries to wrest Marcos Alonso and Cesar Azpilicueta away from England.
Laporta has now explained how Barcelona is able to outbid Chelsea for the transfer targets they want.
We get along well, and we respect our opponents, he told CBS Sports. Todd Boehly, the minority owner of Chelsea, is a remarkable individual.
“We have had to actively participate in the transfer market in order to strengthen our team.
“And it so happened that we also wanted some of the guys that they did.
“Those players were drawn to Barcelona because they respect and admire our mission, our heritage, our playing philosophy, and our coach. Xavi is crucial.”
Even more so, Laporta discussed his friendship with Boehly, whom he had met earlier this month amid rumors that he was attempting to sabotage Manchester United’s pursuit of Frenkie de Jong.
Nevertheless, he denied rumors that De Jong will sign with the Blues.
When asked if Chelsea was given the option to sign De Jong, Laporta responded: “No, no, no. In Barcelona, we had a wonderful meal and discussed football in general.
“He runs a very prosperous business. He is active in sports, having played for the Lakers, Dodgers, and now Chelsea.
It was a lovely supper, and he seems like a man who knows what he wants to do.
