Laporta recalls rejecting €250 million PSG offer for Barcelona wonderkid – ‘People thought we were crazy’
Speaking at the launch of his book “Així hem salvat el Barça” (“This is how we saved Barça”), former FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta recalled how his administration rejected a massive bid for teenage sensation Lamine Yamal.
Following his breakthrough campaign with the Blaugrana in 2023/24, in Xavi Hernandez’s final season in charge, Lamine attracted strong interest from PSG in the summer of 2024.
With the Parisian giants losing Kylian Mbappe to Real Madrid, they were looking for a statement signing in attack and had their sights on Lamine, despite him being only 17 at the time.
The youngster’s brilliant run at the UEFA Euro 2024, where he helped Spain lift the trophy, only strengthened PSG’s interest, prompting them to launch a mammoth €250 million bid, which Barça rejected.
Recalling that moment from his tenure as president, ahead of the upcoming elections, Laporta remarked (h/t Jijantes):
“When PSG offered us €250 million for Lamine Yamal, and we rejected it, he was 17 years old; some people thought we were crazy.”
Barcelona rejected €250 million for Lamine Yamal. (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)
It must be noted that at the time, Barça were in a difficult situation financially, and such a huge sale would have made things a lot easier for the club. However, Laporta’s administration opted to turn the offer down.
Since then, Lamine has continued to scale greater heights, establishing himself as one of the best forwards in the game currently, despite being only 18 years old.
The young La Masia product was key to Barcelona’s domestic treble success last season and even finished second in the 2025 Ballon d’Or rankings.
Given his quality and potential, the sky is the limit for Lamine, with club legend Andres Iniesta backing him to win the Ballon d’Or sooner rather than later.
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Opinion: Bournemouth’s Iraola should be top Crystal Palace target
Crystal Palace Urged to Target Iraola Over Frank
Crystal Palace’s season has drifted into an uneasy space. According to Give Me Sport, voices around Selhurst Park believe the club must think boldly this summer and pursue Andoni Iraola, rather than revisit familiar ground with Thomas Frank.
The immediate backdrop is tension. Palace recorded only their second win of 2026, secured by a late Evann Guessand strike, yet relief did little to soften the mood. Selhurst Park felt restless, even toxic, as supporters vented frustration at performances that have lacked clarity and momentum.
Iraola Vision for Palace
Journalist Alan Nixon has reported that Steve Parish is keen on Iraola, while heavy links persist around Frank. The debate feels symbolic. Iraola represents progressive thinking. Frank carries Premier League experience and familiarity.
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Described as “the best young coach in the world” by Sam Tighe, Iraola has built Bournemouth into a competitive Premier League side, despite regular player sales. There is coherence to his work, a trust in development and tactical bravery that resonates with Palace’s own model.
Bournemouth under Iraola have shown structure and adaptability. They look coached. For Palace, who oscillate between promise and passivity, that may be the missing piece.
Glasner Under Pressure
Oliver Glasner’s tenure appears to be reaching a delicate stage. When supporters turn, noise grows quickly. The Austrian’s recent plea for fans to “stay humble” did not land well. Against Wolves, chants of “staying humble” echoed back at him, accompanied by sarcastic cheers for substitutions and a banner that underscored discontent.
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It was a revealing moment. Even in victory, unity felt fractured.
A managerial change may not be imminent, but the direction of travel is clear. Palace are not devoid of talent. They require coherence and conviction. Iraola offers both. Frank would bring credibility, yet some fear it signals caution over ambition.
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For Parish, the decision will shape Palace’s next chapter. Stability matters, but so does imagination. If Iraola becomes attainable, the argument is that Palace must act decisively.
Our View – EPL Index Analysis
The frustration at Selhurst Park has not emerged overnight. Performances have been inconsistent, identity blurred. Glasner’s comments about fans needing to “stay humble” felt misjudged, especially when results have offered limited reassurance.
Iraola is an enticing prospect. Bournemouth have played with purpose and clarity under his leadership. For Palace fans, that is attractive. The club prides itself on youth development and dynamic football. Iraola aligns with that ethos.
Thomas Frank would not be dismissed lightly. He understands the Premier League landscape and has managed through adversity. Yet some supporters fear a safer appointment may not deliver transformation.
What Palace crave is belief. A manager who can harness the energy of Selhurst Park rather than stand at odds with it. If Iraola truly is available, many fans would urge Parish to be bold. Progress requires courage, not comfort.