Transfer: Laporta names first player Xavi asked Barcelona to sign

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Transfer: Laporta names first player Xavi asked Barcelona to sign

Joan Laporta, Barcelona president, has revealed Ilkay Gundogan was the first player head coach Xavi Hernandez asked the club to sign this summer.

Laporta stated this after Gundogan was officially unveiled as a Barcelona player.

Recall that Gundogan recently joined Barcelona as a free agent after his contract with Manchester City expired this summer.

Speaking at the player’s unveiling, club president Laporta admitted that the Germany international was at the top of Xavi’s transfer wishlist.

According to him, Gundogan chose Barcelona despite having better offers from other clubs from a financial perspective.

Laporta said (via Goal): “The first player Xavi asked for this summer. It is an honour he chose our offer.

“We made a good proposal financially, but it was not the best he had. He preferred Barca’s prestige and history over other offers.”