Bartomeu explains why Barça didn't sign Nolito

Bartomeu explains why Barça didn't sign Nolito

During his Thursday press conference, FC Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu was asked about Spain forward Nolito. To be precise, the reason why the Andalusian player was not signed by Barça.

Nolito is expected to be presented as a Manchester City player in the coming days, where he will link up with manager Pep Guardiola.

Despite being personally requested as a reinforcement by coach Luis Enrique, Nolito was not signed by the club in the last winter transfer window for economic reasons: "In January, we did not make any signings because of the ratio of debt, not because we had a lack of money", explained Bartomeu.

He went on to describe Luis Enrique's reaction to this: "He understood. If you can not pay for a car, you have to settle for another one. Despite that, it should be said that this is not common, but it is good that Barcelona shows that it is a club with economic control, with maturity and rigour.

But I can not confirm or deny if (Luis Enrique) has again requested the player for this summer transfer market."

Again referring to the winter window, Bartomeu said: "Had there been a player available on a free transfer, then we could have signed them."