New Delhi: Joan Laporta, the president of Barcelona, said that six months ago, the Spanish team rejected a bid for star forward Lamine Yamal at USD 270 million (€250 million). Laporta did not disclose which team was interested in signing the young Spaniard, but it was said that PSG was prepared to spend a lot of money on Yamal in order to replace Kylian Mbappe.
“Six months ago, I refused their offer to sign Lamine for 250 million euros.” Laporta said. He further praised the Spanish winger saying that Yamal is without a doubt, world’s most popular player. It is clear that the Barca president wants his young sensation to grow at his club, to transform into one of the best players in the world, something that Yamal is very much capable of.
A brilliant campaign that lead to Yamal’s high pricetag
🚨🔵🔴 Barça president Joan Laporta: “We received a bid worth €250m for Lamine Yamal and we have turned it down”.
The proposal was before the summer transfer window, as PSG wanted Lamine. pic.twitter.com/U2APe6KGLz
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 17, 2024
Since Yamal first appeared on the scene, his worth has skyrocketed. At the age of 15, he began training with Barca’s first squad at the request of coach Xavi Hernandez, which marked the beginning of his quick ascent to fame. In April 2023, he made his first team debut, making history as the club’s youngest player.
Following a stellar 2022–2023 season, Lamine continued to play for the first team throughout the 2023–2024 preseason and established himself as a mainstay in the squad. He was the youngest player to reach 50 appearances, among other records he set for the team. Last month, the teenage forward became the second-youngest player in Champions League history to score.
Lamine became both the youngest player and the youngest goal scorer in the history of the Spanish national team. When he started for Spain against Croatia in the summer of 2024, at the age of 16 years and 338 days, he also made history as the youngest player to ever play in the European Championships.
The winger became the youngest player to ever play in a major tournament final, among other records, as he won the match against England. Laporta also advised the first team players to provide a good offer if they wish to depart from the club