Barcelona’s former president, Juan Laporta, has confirmed that the club turned down a staggering €250 million offer for rising star Yamal.
The bid, reportedly made by Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), had first surfaced in July 2024, when various media outlets reported that the French champions had attempted to secure the teenager’s signature. At the time, PSG publicly denied the offer.
Speaking at the launch of his new book yesterday, Laporta formally acknowledged the proposal. In an interview with Spanish media, he said:
“When PSG offered €250 million for Yamal, we turned it down. He was only 17 at the time. Many thought we were mad.”
Had Barcelona accepted the offer, it would have eclipsed Neymar’s €222 million transfer, setting a new record as the largest in football history.
Yamal’s Meteoric Rise
Now 18, Yamal has already established himself among the world’s elite footballers. He finished second in the 2025 Ballon d’Or voting, signalling his rapid ascent in the sport.
His breakthrough began during the 2023–24 season, when he made his debut for Barcelona’s first team. Just before turning 18, he played a pivotal role in Spain’s Euro 2024 final victory over England, lifting the trophy at an age when most players are still making youth appearances.
In May 2025, Yamal signed a new contract with Barcelona, extending his stay until 2031. The agreement includes a release clause of €1 billion, an amount that makes any prospective transfer virtually impossible in the current market.
Laporta’s Leadership and Legacy
Juan Laporta, serving his second term as Barcelona president since 2021, resigned earlier this month in accordance with regulations to stand in the upcoming elections. He is widely regarded as the frontrunner for re-election on 15 March, underscoring his continued influence at the club.
Yamal at a Glance
| Player | Age | Club | Notable Achievements | Contract Until | Release Clause |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yamal | 18 | Barcelona | 2nd in 2025 Ballon d’Or, Euro 2024 winner with Spain | 2031 | €1 billion |
| Neymar | 31 | PSG | €222 million transfer from Barcelona (2017) | 2025 | €250 million |
Laporta’s decision to reject PSG’s massive offer highlights Barcelona’s commitment to nurturing young talent over short-term financial gain—a gamble that seems increasingly vindicated as Yamal continues to flourish on the global stage.