By SABC Sport
12th July 2023
La Blaugrana have made two signings this summer, bringing in Ilkay Gundogan from Manchester City and Inigo Martinez from Real Sociedad.
However, they missed out on their number one target, Lionel Messi, who signed for Inter Miami due to Barcelona's financial problems.
Real Madrid, on the other hand, have been more successful in the transfer market, signing Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund and Arda Guler from Fenerbahçe. However, they have also lost Karim Benzema to the Saudi Pro League.
Despite not signing Messi, Laporta is confident that his team is better than Real Madrid. He said that Barcelona have "a better squad" and that they are "more ambitious".
He also said that he is "satisfied" with the business they have done in the transfer window, and that he believes that Barcelona can "win the Champions League" this season.
It remains to be seen whether Laporta is right, but Barcelona certainly have a strong team on paper. With the addition of Gundogan and Martinez, they have added some much-needed quality to their midfield and defense.
If they can stay fit and motivated, they will be a force to be reckoned with in La Liga and the Champions League this season.
"We have a better team than Madrid and, individually, we are also better with a certain difference from our rivals," Laporta told SPORT.
"As a club member and fan I am very satisfied with the team we are building. We have won the Spanish League and we can continue to exercise hegemony in this competition.
"I focus on making a good team over signing individuals. We have signed Gundogan and Inigo Martinez and they will give us a great performance like the others who are going to come."