Former Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has disclosed remarkable details about a €400 million offer made for Lionel Messi during a turbulent period following Neymar’s departure. In an interview with Cadena SER, Bartomeu revealed that shortly after Neymar left, a club prepared to activate Messi’s release clause — then set at €400 million.
Bartomeu added that funds originating from an Arab country were transferred to European accounts, illustrating the offer's seriousness. However, he declined to name the club involved, only confirming it was not the frequently mentioned Manchester City.
In response to this threat, Barcelona quickly engaged in talks with Messi and his father, resulting in a substantial increase of the release clause from €400 million to €700 million, alongside a corresponding raise in the player’s salary. This contractual move aimed to secure the club’s key asset amidst intense competition.
What this means
The fact that such a massive offer was tabled underscores the financial and competitive pressure Barcelona faced after Neymar’s exit. Unlike financially robust clubs able to swiftly mobilize such funds, Barcelona needed to reinforce contract terms to protect their cornerstone player.
Raising release clauses is a common practice to deter rivals and underscore a player’s value. This instance marked a third significant contract adjustment during Bartomeu’s tenure, reflecting efforts to retain key figures despite mounting economic constraints.
Bartomeu’s refusal to disclose the bidding club’s identity sheds light on the increasingly influential role of Arab investors and state-owned clubs in the global market, intensifying Barcelona’s challenges in safeguarding their squad.
Consequently, the raise in salary and compensation put additional strain on Barcelona’s already stretched finances due to ongoing transfer expenditures and commitments, presenting a microcosm of the club’s broader struggle with financial fair play regulations.
From a sporting perspective, retaining Messi was vital. As both an on-field leader and club icon, his presence was crucial during a phase of squad transition and for maintaining brand value and fan loyalty.
In summary, the €400 million offer episode was a dramatic moment that illustrated the intricate link between football operations and financial management at Barcelona. It forced the leadership into difficult decisions balancing sporting objectives and economic sustainability.
Looking ahead, Barcelona must integrate lessons from such challenges, balancing player retention with fiscal discipline. Amid current transfer restrictions and salary caps, this story highlights the importance of strategic planning in squad building and budget management.
