OUTGOING Barcelona president Joan Laporta says the form shown by David Villa for Spain has vindicated the club’s decision to sign the player before the World Cup – and believes the former Valencia forward’s price would be 20million euros higher following his performances in South Africa.

Barca paid 40million euros for Villa in May, but the player has gone on to become the star player for Spain in this summer’s World Cup, scoring four goals so far, including the winner as Vicente del Bosque’s side knocked out Portugal to reach the quarter-finals on Tuesday.

“Now everybody agrees we were right when we said that it was better to sign before the World Cup. What would it cost today to sign Villa? Let’s say, at least, 20 million more,” he said.

One signing Laporta was not able to tie up before the World Cup or the end of his tenure, which finishes today, is that of Arsenal’s Cesc Fabregas.

But the outgoing Barca chief says he hopes the Catalan midfielder will arrive and revealed he would also like Manchester City target Yaya Toure to remain at the club.

“I would keep Toure, bring in Cesc and also another striker because it looks like Henry is leaving. That would be enough,” he said.

And Laporta, who is set to hand over the reins to new president Sandro Rosell, believes he has left the club in good hands.

“What’s left is a club with an enormous potential to keep on winning,” he said.

“As well as the signings, our homegrown players, (Lionel) Messi, (Andres) Iniesta, Xavi, (Carles) Puyol, (Gerard) Pique and Victor Valdes are up there with the best in the world.”