FC Barcelona has recently turned down a staggering $270 million (€250 million) bid for their young star, Lamine Yamal, from a Premier League club. This offer, if accepted, would have set a new record for the highest transfer fee ever paid. The Spanish news agency EFE reported this development, referencing anonymous sources from within FC Barcelona.
Lamine Yamal has been in the spotlight recently due to his impressive performance for Spain in their European Championship semifinal match against France. His goal, which came in the 21st minute to equalize the score, was a key moment in the game. Despite Kolo Muani’s early goal for France and a strong performance from Kylian Mbappe’s team, Spain ultimately emerged victorious with a 2-1 win after Dani Olmo scored the second goal.
This situation brings to mind the 2017 transfer of Neymar from FC Barcelona. Neymar had a release clause in his contract set at €1 billion ($1.082 billion). Barcelona believed this clause would sufficiently protect them, expecting that any team wishing to acquire him would have to pay a significant sum—€222 million ($240 million) to be exact. Despite this, Paris Saint-Germain ignored the clause and paid the full amount, setting a new world record for the highest transfer fee.
Now, in 2024, Paris Saint-Germain, supported by Qatari backing, is poised to make similarly large investments to secure Lamine Yamal. The club views him as the ideal successor to Kylian Mbappe, who is transferring to Real Madrid.
