Historic robbery by Florentino Pérez against Barça, new Arda Güler case, blow to Joan Laporta

On a personal level, Florentino Pérez and Joan Laporta maintain an excellent relationship. The president of Madrid and the president of FC Barcelona are aware that, no matter how antagonistic they may seem, they need each other to keep the spectacle going. On more than one occasion, they have shared common positions on institutional matters, showing that respect is above rivalry.

However, when it comes to competing for titles or signings, courtesy disappears. Barça and Real Madrid live in a permanent battle to strengthen their squads and dominate the European scene. In that area, Florentino Pérez has once again proved that he plays with an advantage.

Florentino Pérez wants to repeat what happened with Arda Güler and Barça

In 2023, Arda Güler had everything ready to wear the FC Barcelona jersey. Joan Laporta had reached an agreement with the player and his entourage, trusting that he would be a key addition for the new culé project. However, Florentino Pérez found out about the operation and reacted quickly, offering a higher amount and a more attractive sporting project.

The result was a real game-changer: the young Turk ended up joining Real Madrid, causing a huge stir in Barcelona. Now, something very similar could happen again with another footballer who was on the Catalan club's wish list. His name: Nico Schlotterbeck.

Nico Schlotterbeck is highly regarded by Florentino Pérez and Joan Laporta

The German center-back from Borussia Dortmund is one of the most desired pieces in European soccer. At just 25 years old, Nico Schlotterbeck stands out in aerial play, is quick to intercept, and has impeccable ball distribution. His profile fits both Barça's style and Real Madrid's, which explains the interest of the two giants.

Flick had given his approval to the signing of Nico Schlotterbeck, aware of the need to strengthen the defense in light of Araújo's possible departure. At Camp Nou, they saw him as the ideal replacement, someone capable of leading the backline for the next decade. But Florentino Pérez has moved ahead.

Florentino Pérez wins, Nico Schlotterbeck moves away from FC Barcelona

The white president has already contacted Nico Schlotterbeck's entourage and Borussia Dortmund. According to the German press, Real Madrid would be willing to pay around €55 million ($59.5 million) for the center-back, an unaffordable amount for Barça's finances. It's true that his contract ends in 2027, but Florentino Pérez wants to avoid at all costs that he ends up with the eternal rival.

In the capital, they celebrate another masterstroke by Florentino Pérez. The president proves once again that he dominates the market like no one else, staying ahead of his rivals and securing Real Madrid's future. Meanwhile, at Barça, the new "Arda Güler case" is experienced as a blow.

Joan Laporta will have to react quickly to prevent history from repeating itself with other targets. Florentino Pérez, once again, has proved that in the modern soccer board, he always strikes first. When Real Madrid moves ahead, very few can keep up.