Barcelona elections: Laporta wins big, fuels fresh hope of signing Victor Osimhen

FC Barcelona members have voted to keep Joan Laporta as their president, handing him a strong mandate that will run until 2031, Afrik-Foot reports.

The result was clear and convincing, and it could also shape the club’s plans in the transfer market, including a possible move for Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen.

The election results showed Laporta winning with a huge majority. When all the votes were counted, he secured 68.18% of the ballots, far ahead of rival candidate Víctor Font, who received 29.78%. The remaining votes were blank.

Voting took place across several locations, including the club’s famous home ground, Spotify Camp Nou. In total, more than 48,000 members took part in the election, showing the importance supporters place on choosing the leadership of the Catalan club.

Laporta described the victory as a strong endorsement of his work over the past few years.

“This is a resounding result and it gives us great strength,” he told supporters after the announcement.

“It gives us so much strength that it makes us unstoppable. We will continue defending Barça against everything and everyone.”

He also praised his opponent, asking supporters to applaud Font for taking part in the democratic process. Laporta said the election itself showed what makes Barcelona special.

“What happens at FC Barcelona is unique in the world,” he said. “We are a club that votes, and today the members turned out and cast their ballots.”

Laporta first served as Barcelona president between 2003 and 2010, a period that included the club’s historic 2009 treble under Pep Guardiola. He returned to power in 2021 after defeating Font in another election and has now secured another term.

During his second spell in charge, Barcelona have won two La Liga titles, while the club’s women’s team have dominated the UEFA Women’s Champions League. On the men’s side, success under coach Hansi Flick, including a domestic treble, played a major role in Laporta’s campaign.

Barcelona: Laporta’s leadership could open door for Osimhen move

Laporta’s re-election may also strengthen Barcelona’s ability to pursue major transfer targets, and one name regularly linked with the club is Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen.

The forward currently plays for Turkish giants Galatasaray, where he has become a key player since his big-money arrival last summer. His speed, strength and sharp finishing have made him one of Europe’s most dangerous strikers.

Barcelona are believed to admire those qualities, especially as veteran striker Robert Lewandowski moves toward the final years of his career.

Laporta has already suggested that Barcelona still have the financial power to sign a top player if the right opportunity appears.

“Regarding finances, when it comes to making an adjustment in any position that represents an investment in a player, Barça has the capacity to do it,” he said.

However, any move for Osimhen would not be easy. Galatasaray reportedly value the Nigerian star at more than €100 million, while his salary demands are also high. Barcelona must also follow strict financial regulations in Spain.Even so, Laporta explained that sporting director Deco will continue searching for players who can improve the squad.

“Obviously, if we see an opportunity in the market that Deco thinks could be interesting and would improve the squad, Deco will propose it to us, and we’ll decide,” he said.

If Barcelona do eventually sign Osimhen, he would become only the third Nigerian to represent the club’s first team after Emmanuel Amuneke and Gbenga Okunowo.