Former Barcelona president lifts lid on Neymar departure and failed Mbappe move: ‘We made an offer…’

Why Dembele over Mbappe?

At the time, Mbappe was emerging as one of Europe’s brightest young talents at AS Monaco, and Barcelona explored the possibility of signing him.

Barcelona attempted to sign Mbappe from AS Monaco. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

However, the financial demands became clear, as Bartomeu explained,

“It wasn’t an offer in the strict sense. They would say to you: he’s worth €180 million. If you want Mbappe, it’s €180million, and Paris paid it.”

Ultimately, Barcelona ended up paying €105 million plus a reported €40 million add-ons to Borussia Dortmund for Dembele.

Bartomeu also addressed how such major decisions were made at the club, making it clear that he avoided interfering in football matters.

“The only decision I made as president or as an administrator, and which I defended vigorously, was the signing of Luis Suarez.”

He then explained why he chose to step back from sporting decisions.

“I was heavily criticised by all the media, so I learnt the lesson that the president or administrators cannot interfere in sporting matters.

“We must trust the technical staff, the sporting directors and the coaches; it is they who decide on signings,” he concluded.