Following the conclusion of the Russia 2018 World Cup, Kylian Mbappe emerged as a highly sought-after talent in global football. Consequently, his journey has garnered significant attention within the European football media.
Interestingly, recent information has surfaced indicating that during his time as a promising young player at Monaco, discussions were held with Barcelona regarding a potential transfer. This revelation holds immense significance as it could have had a profound impact on the dynamics of competition among the dominant football clubs in Europe.
Javier Bordas, who served on the Blaugrana board during the tenures of Sandro Rosell and Josep Maria Bartomeu, shared with ‘El Chiringuito’ the details of the missed opportunity in 2017 to bring Mbappe to La Masia alongside Leo Messi, Andrés Iniesta, and Neymar.
Expressing regret, Bordas mentioned that had he been in a position of authority, Mbappe would have been a Barcelona player. Instead, the young talent ended up signing with PSG. Barcelona, on the other hand, secured the high-profile transfer of Neymar for a record-breaking fee of 222 million euros ($239 million).
The potential arrival of Mbappe at Camp Nou was discussed at a much lower cost, with positive conversations even taking place between the player’s father and the club’s management, creating a sense of optimism.
Bordas indicated his preference for Mbappe over Neymar, who was eventually replaced by Ousmane Dembele for 135 million euros ($145 million). The absence of these star players has left a void in the squad, making it challenging for Barcelona to remain competitive in Europe. This situation indirectly facilitated Real Madrid’s prolonged negotiations to secure Mbappe’s services.
If Mbappe were to join Real Madrid, it would undoubtedly elevate the club’s global status and dominance, potentially overshadowing Barcelona in the media spotlight.
As Barcelona seeks alternatives to maintain commercial competitiveness against their rivals, the missed opportunity to sign Mbappe continues to resonate as a pivotal moment in recent club history.