Laporta has announced that Barca are planning to return to the Estadi Johan Cruyff
Joan Laporta is set to take charge at Barcelona this summer, and is already developing his plans once he does. One of these could involve a return to their Estadi Johan Cruyff training ground in two seasons’ time, due to ongoing renovation work at the Camp Nou.
The stadium, which is 18 months behind schedule, appears to be a long way from completion. The reopening of the Camp Nou was reinstated earlier this season, but Barcelona were forced to play the opening two games at the Estadi Johan Cruyff, which only holds 8,000 people due to further delays, before returning to Montjuic. It is currently the stadium used by Barca Atletic, and a major part of Barcelona Femeni.
‘We want to increase Johan Cruyff by 10,000’
During an interview with RAC1, Laporta revealed that they may be forced to do it again in 2027. The third phase is expected to be operational next season, but the roof will not be installed for at least 18 more months. Laporta explained that Barcelona may be forced to return to the Estadi Johan Cruyff while it’s still underway. MD gave his words.
“An alternative for some matches while the roof is installed – from the summer of 2027 – the Johan Cruyff Stadium, for a while. We want to expand the Johan Cruyff Stadium by 10,000 spectators. The City Council of Sant Joan Despi does not object; we do not want to return to Montjuïc.”
“Since the stadium is finished, we will reach 450 million euros in profits; currently, we are at 125 million euros. We can see that the reality exceeds the expectations,” said Laporta, noting that the plans are in the early stages.
Flick: “It is important to have a good structure, and create stability in the club. Everyone is happy that Laporta came and spoke to the team. He wished us luck for tomorrow’s game.”
– barcacentre (@barcacentre) March 17, 2026
Laporta on Messi peace
Another point that attacked Laporta’s rivals as president was his handling of Lionel Messi’s exit. This player from Argentina has expressed his desire to play again at Camp Nou, but it is not clear if he will do that with Laporta there, as it is said that he and his family blame him for leaving. Messi was not involved in the election.
“I would be very happy to fix this. What is important is to finish the field. Economic stability is important. In terms of personal and team-related issues, and the fairness of the team, I am happy. [Messi] he did not take a position in the election.”
Regarding other relationships, Laporta commented that La Liga President Javier Tebas congratulated him. He wasn’t sure if his Real Madrid counterpart Florentino Perez did, but he noted that easing the tension between the two teams was impossible ‘while he insisted on pursuing Negreira’s case.’
Real Madrid and Perez have talked a lot about Negreira’s case since Barcelona and Laporta decided not to continue with the Superleague. Los Blancos appeared as the plaintiff in this case, Barcelona is accused of sports corruption, but Laporta denied that there was anything wrong.
