Barcelona Club President Tells Off Star Player

The president of FC Barcelona, Joan Laporta, has shown his frustration with Ilax Moriba and his protracted contract negotiations.

The 18-year-old midfielder is in the middle of signing a new deal with Barca, but his representatives continue to make unfeasible salary demands that are stalling the process, especially at a time when the La Liga giants are struggling with their finances.

The Barca chief has made it clear that the Catalans will not bow to Guinea-born player’s contractual requirements, – despite rumours that Chelsea are interested in his signature before the summer transfer window closes.

Talking to a Spanish news outlet on Monday, 2 August, Laporta said: “We will try to make sure that [Moriba’s] case is not repeated anymore. He has one year left on his contract and does not want to accept the club’s conditions. We do not accept that and we want to send a message to the team.”

Laporta displayed his characteristic strong will when he concluded: “We won’t accept that with any player. If he wants to go and it’s because he has other options, he can leave the club.”

During the 2020/21 season, Moriba made 18 appearances across all competitions, while chalking up four goals.

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