“Laporta’s clear stance on €250 million offer, Yamal poised for record”

Former Barcelona president Juan Laporta has confirmed that the Spanish club rejected a staggering €250 million bid for young prodigy Yamal.

The offer, reportedly made by Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) Paris Saint-Germain, surfaced in July 2024, although the French club initially denied it. Speaking at the launch of his new book, Laporta confirmed the bid was indeed tabled and formally turned down. “When PSG offered €250 million, we refused. Yamal was just 17 at the time. Many thought we were crazy,” he told Spanish media.

Had Barcelona accepted the bid, it would have surpassed Neymar’s record €222 million transfer to PSG, marking the largest transfer in football history.

Currently 18 years old, Yamal has already established himself among the world’s elite players. The young star finished second in the 2025 Ballon d’Or voting, underlining his rapid rise in global football.

Yamal made his first-team debut for Barcelona during the 2023–24 season and quickly caught the eye. Notably, he celebrated his 17th birthday just a day before helping Spain secure the Euro 2024 title with a victory over England in the final.

In May 2025, Yamal signed a new contract with Barcelona, keeping him at the club until 2031. His release clause is set at an extraordinary €1 billion, a sum that currently makes a transfer effectively impossible.

Laporta, who began his second term as Barcelona president in 2021, resigned this month in accordance with club rules to stand as a candidate in the 15 March elections, with many anticipating his return to the presidency.

Yamal Transfer Summary

This episode highlights Barcelona’s long-term vision for Yamal, prioritising development over immediate financial gain. The club’s gamble appears vindicated as the teenage sensation continues to excel on both domestic and international stages.