Dubai Mercato Kickoff: Could Laporta and Mendes Strike a Surprise Deal in Dubai?
24 December 2025
All eyes are on Dubai this weekend, not only to follow the Globesoccer awards but also to see what moves Barcelona's management might unveil in the winter mercato.
According to Sport, Barcelona president Joan Laporta plans to meet super-agent Jorge Mendes in a meeting that could sketch Barcelona's next set of signings.
Laporta — who attended last year's edition of the event — is said to be negotiating with Mendes, who wields considerable influence in the Globesoccer ceremony.
This meeting comes at a pivotal moment in the transfer market, as Barca look to strengthen their defense by signing a centre-back to cover the absence of Danish star Andreas Christensen, potentially turning the gathering into a full-fledged negotiating table.
Laporta will also travel to Dubai to attend Globesoccer, where the team’s starlet Lamine Yamal is set to receive a major award, alongside honors for Barcelona's women's team.
He will be accompanied by Xavi Boj, the director in charge of women's football, and the delegation is due back Sunday evening to ensure Yamal trains with the first team when activities resume.
In another note, Yamal has been in Dubai for Christmas holidays, the same destination chosen by stars like Vinícius Júnior.
After a remarkable year that saw his prodigious rise, Yamal is charging into 2025 as one of the world's best players.
In Dubai for Globesoccer & Yamal's Award
At the awards, Yamal's recognition adds a shiny milestone to Barcelona's celebrations, while the club itself is hopeful the meeting with Mendes could set up winter moves shaping their defense and squad depth.
With Laporta accompanied by Boj, the team is aiming to wrap up talks before the return to training, keeping the focus on football and a little fair play in the transfer market.
End-of-year Punchlines
Punchline 1: If this mercato ends up a hit, Barcelona will owe the calendar a beer; if not, it's just a well-planned drama with a few red cards of fate.
Punchline 2: And if Laporta and Mendes pull this off, the only thing hotter than the UAE sun will be Barcelona's summer rumors.
