Former FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta has revealed that his administration rejected a €250 million offer from Paris Saint-Germain for teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, recalling the extraordinary circumstances behind the decision in his new book Així hem salvat el Barça (“This is how we saved Barça”).
Following his breakthrough campaign in 2023/24, during Xavi Hernandez’s final season as manager, Lamine Yamal quickly emerged as one of Europe’s most promising young forwards. His performances attracted attention from some of the continent’s top clubs, with PSG keen to secure the youngster after losing Kylian Mbappe to Real Madrid.
At just 17 years old, Lamine’s exceptional form during UEFA Euro 2024, where he helped Spain lift the trophy, only intensified PSG’s pursuit. The French giants reportedly tabled a staggering €250 million bid, which Barcelona ultimately turned down.
“Some people thought we were crazy when PSG offered €250 million for Lamine Yamal,” Laporta recalled. “He was only 17, but we believed keeping him was better for the club in the long term.”
At the time, Barcelona faced serious financial challenges, and selling a player for such a huge sum would have significantly eased the club’s situation. Despite this, Laporta’s administration prioritised retaining the young La Masia product, a decision that has since proven invaluable.
Lamine has continued to flourish, now 18, and is regarded as one of the finest forwards in world football. He played a pivotal role in Barcelona’s domestic treble last season and finished second in the 2025 Ballon d’Or rankings.
