Former FC Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has revealed that the Catalan club made a concrete offer to sign Kylian Mbappé from AS Monaco in 2017. In an interview with Cadena SER, Bartomeu reflected on his tenure and defended his administration's transfer strategy, highlighting the attempt to bring the French prodigy to Camp Nou.
Bartomeu stated that Barcelona submitted an official proposal to Monaco for Mbappé, who was then an 18-year-old sensation. The ex-president did not disclose the financial details of the offer but emphasized that the club was proactive in pursuing top talent during his leadership. The revelation comes as a counterpoint to criticism that the board failed to secure key signings in that period.
Mbappé eventually moved to Paris Saint-Germain on loan in 2017, with a permanent transfer the following year for a reported €180 million. Barcelona's failed attempt adds to the lore of near-misses for the Blaugrana, who have long been linked with the World Cup winner. Bartomeu's comments aim to show that the club was active in the market, even if deals did not materialize.
The interview also covered broader aspects of Bartomeu's presidency, including the club's financial management and sporting decisions. He defended his record, citing the acquisition of players like Ousmane Dembélé and Philippe Coutinho, though both signings have been criticized for their high fees and mixed returns. Bartomeu argued that the club operated under challenging circumstances and always sought elite reinforcements.
This disclosure about Mbappé is part of Bartomeu's ongoing effort to shape his legacy after a tumultuous exit in 2020 amid a fallout with Lionel Messi and allegations of mismanagement. While the offer for Mbappé may not have succeeded, it underscores the club's ambition during that era. Fans and analysts may now reassess the transfer failures of that period in light of these behind-the-scenes efforts.
The story also reignites debate about Barcelona's transfer strategy. Had they landed Mbappé, the trajectory of the club could have been vastly different, especially with Messi's eventual departure. However, the move to Monaco's star was just one of many high-profile pursuits that fell through in Bartomeu's tenure.
Based on reporting from Fútbol.