Why Barcelona Keep Highlighting PSG’s €250M Offer for Lamine Yamal

This past summer, there were rumors that Paris Saint-Germain was eyeing Lamine Yamal as a potential successor to Kylian Mbappé. However, FC Barcelona is focused on securing the teenager with a contract extension and a salary that will keep him content and fend off interest from other clubs.

Mundo Deportivo reported during the summer that PSG was ready to break its own transfer record, offering as much as €250 million—surpassing the €222 million they spent before—to sign Yamal.

Nonetheless, that didn’t transpire, and now, as 2025 approaches, the terms of Yamal’s upcoming mega-contract are still being carefully negotiated. Jorge Mendes was recently in Barcelona to continue discussions, which are expected to result in a successful deal.

Why does Barcelona keep bringing up PSG rejection?

Yamal, who is currently injured, has made it clear that he wants to stay at Barça. Mendes, known for respecting his clients’ wishes, has a track record of keeping players where they want to be.

This was the case with Cristiano Ronaldo, who stayed at Manchester United until he felt ready for a new challenge. The same approach will be taken with Yamal.

Although Yamal has likely always planned to stay at Barcelona long-term, Robin Bairner from Football Transfer explains in his latest PSG Extra Time column why Barcelona’s leadership frequently brings up the news of rejecting PSG’s offer whenever they get the chance.

“The Yamal story is a powerplay from Barcelona,” Bairner wrote. “By claiming they have turned down a bid from PSG for the player, they’re not only showing themselves to have the power over the future of the 17-year-old, whose potential as a future Ballon d’Or winner is obvious, but they’re also sending a message to their supporters that their financial situation is sounder than it is in reality.

“Much has been made of the new Nike deal that has recently been signed, yet the indications are that in January at least, it will not be able to ease Barcelona’s problems. Indeed, the word on the street is that they will struggle to register Dani Olmo without making a sale or pulling another financial lever.

“This is a hugely embarrassing situation and casts doubt on how serious their pursuit of Nico Williams in the summer really was. Had Raphinha not lit up La Liga, it would be a very uncomfortable state of affairs for Laporta’s side.

“And, of course, the charade goes on. Barca are reportedly hoping to sign Erling Haaland from Manchester City as their big summer coup. Given the Norwegian is the world’s most valuable player, this is sheer fantasy.”

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