Former Barcelona president Joan Laporta has confirmed that the Catalan club turned down a staggering €250 million bid from Paris Saint-Germain for teenage sensation Yamal.
The bid, first reported by various media outlets in July 2024, would have eclipsed the world-record transfer fee of €222 million paid by PSG for Neymar. At the time, Yamal was just 17 years old, and Barcelona’s decision to reject the offer drew widespread attention and surprise.
Speaking at the launch of his new book yesterday, Laporta officially confirmed the offer, stating to Spanish media:
“When PSG offered €250 million for Yamal, we turned it down. He was only 17 at the time. Many thought we were crazy.”
Yamal’s Meteoric Rise
Yamal, now 18, has rapidly established himself as one of the world’s finest young talents. His breakthrough came during the 2023–24 season after joining Barcelona’s senior squad, and he played a key role in Spain’s UEFA Euro 2024 triumph, scoring and assisting throughout the tournament. Remarkably, he had just turned 17 a day before the final against England.
In 2025, Yamal finished second in the Ballon d’Or voting, a testament to his extraordinary talent and consistency at such a young age.
Contract and Future
Yamal signed a new contract with Barcelona in May 2025, tying him to the club until 2031. His release clause has been set at an astronomical €1 billion, effectively placing him beyond the reach of any prospective buyer under current market conditions.
| Player | Age at Offer | Offer (€ million) | Record Status | Contract Until | Release Clause (€ million) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yamal | 17 | 250 | Would have broken Neymar’s 222m record | 2031 | 1,000 |
Laporta, who began his second term as Barcelona president in 2021, stepped down this month in accordance with club regulations to run in the upcoming elections scheduled for 15 March. He is widely regarded as a frontrunner to reclaim the presidency once again.
The episode underscores Barcelona’s long-term vision in nurturing young talent rather than succumbing to lucrative offers. Yamal’s trajectory indicates he could shape the next era of world football, and the club’s faith in him has so far been vindicated.