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Record Transfer Bids Rejected: Mbappe, Messi, and More

From The Punch · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Named sources Context piece
  • Football clubs have seen record transfer bids, with some exceeding £250 million, yet not all top talents are moved.
  • Kylian Mbappe declined a £259 million offer from Al Hilal, eventually joining Real Madrid on a free transfer.
  • Several other major clubs, including Liverpool and Barcelona, have rejected substantial bids for key players, demonstrating a strong stance on retaining talent.

The modern football transfer market is witnessing astronomical figures, with clubs frequently willing to spend over £100 million to acquire elite players. However, history is replete with instances where even immense financial offers were insufficient to pry prized assets away from their current clubs.

Topping the list of rejected bids is Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal's reported £259 million offer for French superstar Kylian Mbappe in 2023. While Paris Saint-Germain was reportedly prepared to accept, Mbappe himself declined the move. He later joined Real Madrid on a free transfer a year after the rejected bid.

The modern football transfer market has reached unprecedented financial heights, with clubs increasingly willing to spend well over £100 million to secure the world’s top talent.

— Planet FootballDescribing the current state of football finances and transfer market activity.

Lionel Messi's potential transfer also features prominently. Former Barcelona president Joan Laporta claimed Inter Milan attempted to activate Messi's €250 million release clause in 2006. The offer was rejected, allowing Messi to continue his legendary career at Barcelona.

As reported by Planet Football on Friday, topping the list is the reported £259 million bid made by Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal for French superstar Kylian Mbappe in 2023.

— Planet FootballDetailing the largest rejected transfer bid in football history.

Real Madrid has been both a suitor and a club resisting massive bids. The Spanish giants reportedly had a £171.7 million offer for Mbappe rejected by PSG in 2021. Liverpool also turned down a £150 million bid from Saudi Arabian side Al-Ittihad for Mohamed Salah in 2023. Similarly, Barcelona's £119 million bid for Philippe Coutinho in 2017 was initially rejected before they eventually signed him for a higher fee.

Other notable rejections include Manchester City's reported £100 million offer for Kaká in 2009, Tottenham Hotspur's rejection of a £100 million bid for Harry Kane from Manchester City in 2021, and Newcastle United's initial refusal of Liverpool's £110 million bid for Alexander Isak. Barcelona's attempt to re-sign Neymar from Paris Saint-Germain in 2019 also failed despite a package reportedly exceeding £120 million plus players.

The offer was rejected, allowing Messi to remain at Barcelona, where he went on to become the club’s greatest-ever player.

— Planet FootballExplaining the outcome of Inter Milan's attempt to sign Lionel Messi.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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