PSG is reportedly preparing for life after Kylian Mbappe and they have set their sights on the 16-year-old FC Barcelona star Lamine Yamal. As per reports, Mbappe’s move to Real Madrid at the end of this season is a done deal. Following Mbappe’s reported exit, PSG would be desperate to fill in the Frenchman’s boots. And if the reports stand to be true, Yamal has been chosen as the perfect replacement.
According to reports from the French news outlet Le Parisien, PSG is planning on breaking the bank in its attempt to sign Lamine Yamal. Yamal, at just 16 years of age, can be considered to be the best player in FC Barcelona‘s squad. Yamal has been undoubtedly the revelation of the season and has managed to win several games for his club almost singlehandedly.
🚨 Paris Saint-Germain want to sign Lamine Yamal from Barcelona for €200M this summer to replace Kylian Mbappé.
(Source: @le_Parisien) pic.twitter.com/GgTjVqYLTj
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) April 23, 2024
Yamal was also influential against PSG in the recent UCL quarterfinal and created the only goal for his side in the second leg before FC Barcelona’s eventual defeat. As per the reports, PSG is preparing to make an astronomical bid for the Spanish wonderkid. Le Parisien reported that the Ligue 1 giants are ready to offer a whopping $214 million offer for Yamal.
The news has gone viral on social media platforms and has left soccer fans having a field day. While some believe that the sum PSG is offering isn’t justified, others feel that Barcelona wouldn’t even think of selling Yamal. One section of fans even jokingly commented that the Catalan club’s current financial constraints might force them to accept the offer.
🚨 President Laporta: “We are getting offers for players like Lamine Yamal, of 200 million euros, and we have said no. Because we trust the boy, in his sports projection, and we don’t have the need, on the contrary. We are in a process of economic recovery and already seeing the… pic.twitter.com/G5DD9ZgQJA
— barcacentre (@barcacentre) March 23, 2024
Interestingly, FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta had recently talked about rejecting a similar offer for Lamine Yamal. Laporta said, “We have received offers for players like Lamine Yamal, for 200 million euros, and we have said no.” Laporta had further added that the club will not accept an offer for Yamal since the 16-year-old represents the future of the club.
FC Barcelona places crucial players on transfer list
While FC Barcelona has rejected an offer for Lamine Yamal, they aren’t adopting a similar approach for some of their other players. It has been a disappointing season for the Catalan giants as they are set to go trophyless. Barcelona is currently trailing 11 points behind Real Madrid in La Liga, lost the Spanish Super Cup final, and have been knocked out of the Copa del Rey and the Champions League.
Some of the players’ performances have come under the radar over the course of the season. This has led to the club considering placing such players on the transfer list ahead of the summer transfer window. The club is exploring options for players like Marcos Alonso, Oriol Romeu, Joules Kounde, and even Robert Lewandowski.
🚨 Barcelona are considering selling Ronald Araujo because he would bring the most money to the club, with multiple teams interested in him, who could offer more than €80m.
The player would prefer to stay but his entourage is open to a move.
(Source: @sport) pic.twitter.com/OkEv5lVwMe
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) April 23, 2024
Additionally, the club is planning to listen to offers for some of the players who were previously considered to be “untouchables“. The likes of Frenkie de Jong and Ronald Araujo have attracted criticism for their dismal performances in the season. While the club hasn’t issued a statement yet, there might be some major overhauls at the Catalan club at the end of this season.
Is Lamine Yamal worth $200 million?
While the debates continue about whether Lamine Yamal is really worth $200 million, it’s important to take a neutral look. There’s no doubt that Yamal is a superstar in the making and has loads of potential. While Yamal’s current market value is $80 million, it’s logical that with time, his value will see a manifold increase and the sum might even reach $200 million.
However, PSG is willing to pay the mouth-watering sum of $214 million not for Yama’s current market value, but for his potential. If the Spaniard manages to keep his head down and focus on soccer, there’s no question why he can’t be one of the best players in the world in the future and maybe, even compete for the Ballon d’Or once.
Nevertheless, PSG’s offer for Yamal in today’s time does seem to be a rather inflated value. Although, it’s a testament to the ever-evolving nature of soccer. A decade ago, no one would even dream of paying more than $200 million for a soccer player. However, PSG was the one to do so when they bought Neymar for $270 million. Who’s to say that PSG isn’t ready to do the same yet again?