Inter Milan president Giuseppe Marotta confirmed that striker Lautaro Martínez turned down a potential move to FC Barcelona this summer. The statement, made to Sky Sport Italia, comes as Barça tops La Liga with 12 points from four consecutive wins.
Why did Lautaro Martínez not join Barcelona?
As reported by Mundo Deportivo, the Italian club's top executive explained that the Argentine forward's conduct was exemplary. Marotta highlighted Lautaro's strong sense of belonging, as he refused to enter into talks with Barcelona despite the Catalan club's interest. "We had a meeting, but the conditions were not right to continue," the Inter president stated about the 29-year-old player.
Marotta added that, beyond the player's stance, an agreement between clubs was impossible. Inter considers Lautaro Martínez, under contract until 2029, a key asset for challenging for titles this season. The 2022 World Cup winner has three goals so far this campaign under manager Cristian Chivu.
What did Carlos Ortega say about his Barcelona renewal?
The manager of FC Barcelona's handball team, Carlos Ortega, extended his contract until 2031, as confirmed by the club. Ortega, 55, stated he is in the best possible place and thanked president Joan Laporta for his trust. "Normally, coaches don't renew for so many years, this means full confidence in me and my 'staff'," the Andalusian coach said in statements published by Mundo Deportivo.
Ortega, now in his sixth season in charge, views his tenure very positively. He has won three Champions League titles since his arrival in 2022. The azulgrana handball coordinator, Joan Marín, had previously stated that renewing the manager was an absolute priority for the project.
Which Barcelona candidates are in contention for the Ballon d'Or?
The shortlist for the 2026 Ballon d'Or, revealed this week, includes several FC Barcelona figures. According to La Vanguardia Deportes, 19-year-old Lamine Yamal and Rodri, the 2024 winner, are prominent contenders in the men's category. In the women's category, the big news is the absence of Aitana Bonmatí, winner of the last three editions, who cannot vie for a fourth consecutive award after a serious injury last November.
Barça's strength is reflected across categories, with nominations for players like Pau Cubarsí and Ferran Torres, who scored in the World Cup final. The awards ceremony will be held on October 26th in London. The azulgrana team faces this positive sporting moment from the top of the standings, with a two-point lead over Alavés.
What is Barcelona's next fixture?
Hansi Flick's team faces its next challenge in the league schedule. They travel to Valencia to face Levante, who are eleventh in the table, on Sunday, September 13th. Barcelona arrives at the match with a flawless streak, having scored 17 goals and conceded just two in their first four games. All information about the team's schedule is available on our fixtures page. Carlos Ortega's contract with the handball section officially runs until the year 2031.
