Why PSG are set to fail in €200m pursuit of Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal

With Kylian Mbappé (25) off the books, Paris Saint-Germain have considerable means to strengthen this summer. Whilst a left-winger would logically be a priority for PSG, they have found it difficult to ignore the emergence of Lamine Yamal (16), who firstly with Barcelona and now with the Spanish national team, has burst onto the scene.

Les Parisiens have been mulling over a €200m bid for Lamal for several weeks, even months, according to Le Parisien, with former Barcelona manager Luis Enrique and sporting director Luís Campos both big admirers of the teenager, who is preparing to face England in the final of Euro 2024.

Whilst PSG already have depth in Lamal’s position on the right wing, in the form of Randal Kolo Muani and Ousmane Dembélé, the signing of the Spain international is perceived as an opportunity that is too good to pass up. With Mbappé gone, PSG can spend €200m on a player this season, whilst Barcelona once again need to raise funds this summer.

The stars seem somewhat aligned, therefore, but not so. The obstacle is purely political. Joan Laporta does not want to go down as the president who sold Lionel Messi and the next prodigy coming through the prestigious La Masia academy. As a result, Barcelona have ruled out selling Yamal.

GFFN | Luke Entwistle