Decisions made by club executives can sometimes alter the course of history. Kylian Mbappe One such pivotal moment occurred in 2017 when FC Barcelona, one of the most storied clubs in football, made a choice that would leave fans and analysts pondering “what if?” for years to come. Former Barcelona chief Javier Bordas has recently shed light on an intriguing behind-the-scenes story about how the Catalan giants missed the chance to sign Kylian Mbappe, opting instead for Ousmane Dembele.
A Tale of Two Transfers
The summer of 2017 was a turbulent one for Barcelona. Neymar had just left for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in a record-breaking transfer, leaving a void in the team that needed to be filled. Amid this backdrop, two young French forwards were making waves across Europe: Ousmane Dembele and Kylian Mbappe. While both were highly sought after, Barcelona’s decision would ultimately lead them down a path fraught with challenges and what-ifs.
Javier Bordas, who was part of the decision-making team at Barcelona during that period, revealed in an interview that the club had a real shot at signing Kylian Mbappe from AS Monaco. “If I had been in charge, Mbappe would have played for Barca. I moved for Mbappe, he could have come to Barca. We didn’t specify a price, but he would have gone for €100 million,” Bordas explained. Despite this, the coaching staff favored Dembele, citing a better fit with the existing squad.
Barcelona went on to sign Dembele from Borussia Dortmund for a staggering £135 million. Unfortunately, Dembele’s time at Barcelona was marred by injuries, limiting his impact on the pitch. In contrast, Kylian Mbappe’s career trajectory skyrocketed at PSG, where he has since become one of the most lethal strikers in the world.
The What-If Scenario
The story of what could have been continues to haunt Barcelona. As Bordas hinted, there was a possibility to acquire both Kylian Mbappe and Dembele. Such a move could have drastically reshaped Barcelona’s attack and perhaps even their fortunes over the following years. Instead, Dembele’s struggle to consistently contribute due to health issues starkly contrasts with Mbappe’s rise to global superstardom.
Current Dynamics at PSG
Interestingly, the paths of Dembele and Kylian Mbappe eventually converged at PSG. Dembele joined the Parisian club last summer for a reported £43.5 million, reuniting with Mbappe, who is now a seasoned superstar expected to make a big move, potentially to Real Madrid, in the upcoming transfer window. This reunion at PSG underlines a narrative of what might have been a powerhouse duo at Barcelona.
Kylian Mbappe’s Ongoing Impact
Despite the backdrop of transfer rumors, Kylian Mbappe’s focus remains unwavering on the pitch. His performance, especially in crucial Champions League fixtures, is a testament to his professionalism and skill. Former PSG midfielder Javier Pastore recently commented on Mbappe’s potential impact in the upcoming second leg of the Champions League quarter-final against Barcelona: “I am convinced that on Tuesday, we will see a great Mbappe. Knowing him a little, he is the player who will most want to qualify. With PSG’s need to score, he’ll assume the responsibility to play a great game.”
🚨 If PSG are eliminated this evening, there could be an IMMINENT MOVEMENT on Kylian Mbappé's move to Real Madrid! 😅🇫🇷
(Source: @elchiringuitotv) pic.twitter.com/8l5lQYXqgQ
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) April 16, 2024
As Barcelona prepares to face PSG once more, the narrative is not just about this season’s Champions League ambitions but also about the lingering thoughts of what might have been had Mbappe donned the Blaugrana colors back in 2017. This ongoing saga, filled with tactical decisions and transfer market gambles, continues to captivate the football world, offering endless speculation and scenarios that fuel the debates of fans and experts alike.
