Bartomeu Confirms Barcelona Tried to Sign Mbappé Before Dembélé Deal

The summer of 2017 forced Barcelona into a rapid search for a new superstar after Neymar’s unexpected departure to Paris Saint-Germain in a record €222 million deal that stunned football.

Former club president Josep Maria Bartomeu, speaking to SER, admitted the move came as a major surprise to the Catalan side, who had not planned for such an exit. He stated that Neymar’s departure caught the club off guard and left them scrambling for replacements.

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‎Former Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu reveals the club made an official offer for Kylian Mbappé after Neymar’s PSG exit before signing Dembélé.

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With Neymar gone, Barcelona immediately explored the market for elite attacking talent. Among the names considered was Kylian Mbappé, who was then emerging at Monaco and already attracting major European attention.

Bartomeu confirmed that the club made official approaches for both Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé during that period. However, the final direction came from the technical staff, who leaned toward the Borussia Dortmund winger.

The coaching decision proved decisive. Barcelona went on to complete a €105 million deal plus add-ons for Dembélé, while Mbappé eventually moved elsewhere as Paris Saint-Germain met the massive valuation placed on him.

According to Bartomeu, the financial demands for Mbappé were straightforward but extremely high, with a €180 million valuation effectively setting the terms. PSG ultimately paid that figure, ending Barcelona’s pursuit.

He also reflected on his broader leadership approach, referencing the signing of Luis Suarez from Liverpool. Despite criticism at the time, Suarez later delivered major success, and Bartomeu said that experience taught him to trust sporting directors and coaches rather than interfere in transfer decisions.