Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has said “no player is bigger than Barca”, four days after they sold Brazil forward Neymar to Paris St-Germain for a world record fee.
Speaking at the World Congress of Penyes, Bartomeu said: “He wanted to leave. We didn’t agree with that decision but no player is bigger than Barca.”
“Now we are looking for alternatives and whatever happened here it is in the end good for Barca because if he stayed then we have a great player and if he goes then we bring in a lot of money.
“The 222 million euros we will spend sensibly, strictly and wisely. It will be used to improve the club and with this, it means that we are in a great position to sign players.
“This year there will not be a trident but we can now talk about a team. We will bring in players, the first has been Semedo but there will be more.
“The loyalty shown by Leo Messi or Andres Iniesta should be an example. Leo Messi continues to be the leader of this side.”
Liverpool’s Philippe Coutinho, Borussia Dortmund’s Ousmane Dembele and PSG’s Julian Draxler have been linked with moves to the Nou Camp.