PSG Offered €250M for Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal – Laporta Claims

Barcelona President Reveals PSG’s €250 Million Bid for Lamine Yamal

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has disclosed that Paris Saint-Germain made a substantial offer of €250 million for young star Lamine Yamal in 2024, when the player was just 17 years old. The revelation, made during a campaign event ahead of upcoming club elections, has reignited discussion about the valuation of emerging talent in European football.

Laporta stated, according to Jijantes FC, “When PSG offered us €250 million for Lamine Yamal and we rejected it, he was 17 years old; some people thought we were crazy.” The offer reportedly came as Yamal was establishing himself within the Barcelona first team and prior to signing a contract extension that included a €1 billion buyout clause.

However, PSG has swiftly denied the claim. Sources within the club, referred to as “La Factory,” have described the offer as “categorically false,” asserting that no such bid was ever formally submitted to Barcelona. They also suggested that a transfer of that magnitude would have likely violated financial fair play regulations.

Yamal, now 18, continues to be a key player for both Barcelona and the Spanish national team. He recently finished second in the 2025 Ballon d’Or voting, trailing only Paris Saint-Germain’s Ousmane Dembélé. In 139 appearances for Barcelona, he has scored 40 goals and provided 48 assists, solidifying his status as one of the most promising young players in the world.

The timing of Laporta’s announcement has drawn attention, coming as he seeks re-election as Barcelona president on March 15th. Some observers speculate that the disclosure is intended to highlight his commitment to nurturing and retaining young talent at the club, a key message for supporters.

Yamal himself has expressed a desire to remain with Barcelona for the entirety of his career. “Yes, hopefully yes [I can retire at Barcelona],” he said. “I think I’m at the best club in the world, I enjoy every day very much, every training session. I’m in the best city in the world and hopefully I can stay here my whole life.”

The initial offer from PSG occurred while Yamal was in the process of renewing his contract with Barcelona. Jan Soler, one of Laporta’s advisors, confirmed this, stating, “We had a €250 million offer for Lamine. It was discussed between the agents. It came when Lamine was about to renew his contract; we don’t have to hide that.”

Yamal signed his initial contract with Barcelona in 2023, and subsequently extended his deal last year through 2031. Despite the reported interest from PSG, and potential future bids, the player appears committed to his current club. The situation underscores the increasing financial pressures and competitive landscape within European football, where clubs are willing to invest heavily in securing the services of highly-rated young players.