In a rare and surprising disclosure, Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi admitted to a failed transfer attempt that could have reshaped the club’s defense. He revealed his regret over a near-deal to sign a Barcelona star.
Renowned for his knack for luring elite players from Europe’s top clubs, Al-Khelaifi spoke openly about an operation once considered vital for PSG’s defensive rebuild—a pursuit that was ultimately abandoned when circumstances changed.
The player in question: Barcelona’s struggling defender
The focus of Al-Khelaifi’s revelation was Ronald Araújo, the Barcelona center-back who once appeared on PSG’s shortlist. The club president confessed he had been ready to pay €60 million for the Uruguayan before the move was scrapped following a reassessment of his performances.
According to leaked comments from within the Parisian camp, Al-Khelaifi reportedly said:
“We were very close to signing Araújo, but in hindsight, I’m grateful the deal didn’t happen. Spending €60 million on a player who hadn’t yet proven himself would have been a major mistake.”
Concerns grow at Barcelona
Araújo’s form has recently dipped, causing unease at Camp Nou. The defender has struggled with positioning and buildup play—key attributes for Barcelona’s possession-based system.
During a crucial Champions League match against PSG, coach Hansi Flick made a bold decision by leaving Araújo out of the starting lineup, preferring the young duo of Pau Cubarsí and Eric García. The move reignited debate over Araújo’s dependability in decisive moments.
Relief in Paris, reflection in Barcelona
At PSG, there’s now a sense of relief over avoiding what could have been a costly misstep. Meanwhile, Barcelona continues to grapple with defensive instability, as Araújo’s inconsistent performances draw criticism from fans and the media alike.
Al-Khelaifi has since reiterated that strategic caution in transfers outweighs the temptation of high-profile signings.
