We all know Laporta is a politician.
What would you expect him to say on an interview everyone is watching? That the club will unilaterally change Frenkie's contract?
What he says in public is different from what the actual strategy the board is pursuing, and we all know they are desperate to get his wage off the books and with good reasons.
Now, about 'what the club can do' question:
If there is no clear illegality in Barto's renewal, then the club can't do anything unilaterally in regards to his contract.
BUT,
they can do hell lot sportingly.
The first step is making Frenkie redundant for the team. And it's very simple how this takes place: by signing Bernardo Silva, who the coach is obsessed with anyway.
This is the simple move that gives the upper hand to the club in the whole Frenkie saga.
Because, Frenkie will be reduced to a benchwarmer, with others being first choice in all positions (interiors, pivot, CBs even)
Then, it will be a question is the player wants to retire at 25, collecting a paycheck to live in Barcelona,
or has some ambitions still in him.
If it's the latter, he will personally request a transfer to Chelsea or any other top club paying a good wage