Former Barcelona director Javier Bordas speaks out on choosing Dembele over Mbappe and signing Courtois, Ter-Stegen, Haaland and Morata

Barcelona have been known for playing beautiful football during their glory days. The start of the 2010s saw the Blaugrana reach their peak footballing years, with some of the best La Masia graduates taking control of the first team and dominating the world. 

However, times have changed at Camp Nou, and so has the club itself. Former FC Barcelona director Javier Bordas spoke to Mundo Deportivo at length regarding transfer targets, and why they chose Ousmane Dembele over Kylian Mbappe, although they could have signed the latter for €100 million. 

Bordas Pushed for Haaland, Courtois and Morata

Bordas revealed that there was a chance of signing both Thibaut Courtois AND Marc Andre Ter-Stegen. However, Claudio Bravo ultimately ended up joining Barcelona and subsequently, Ter-Stegen was brought in between the sticks as the undisputed number 1. 

Morata, on the other hand, caused monetary angles to be considered by Barcelona. Then President Josep Maria Bartomeu agreed with Bordas regarding having Morata as a replacement for Suarez, but he ended up joining Atletico from Chelsea. 

Barcelona Could’ve Signed Mbappe to Replace Neymar

Bordas also revealed that the Blaugrana had the chance to sign Kylian Mbappe for €100 million. However, under the advice of Robert Fernandez, they chose to sign Ousmane Dembele from Borussia Dortmund instead. 

Paris Saint-Germain ultimately ended up signing Mbappe, but Monaco’s President told Bordas that a move to Barcelona was much more favourable since there was lesser competition, and also that they didn’t want to strengthen a direct rival in PSG. 

At the time, Madrid had Cristiano Ronaldo, Benzema and Gareth Bale leading the front three, and it would cause Mbappe to be relegated to the bench. 

However, Robert Fernandez preferred a ‘winger’ like Ousmane Dembele, who would play for the team. And not a ‘finisher’ like Mbappe, who, according to the technical secretary, plays for himself. 

Considering how Ousmane Dembele’s tenure at Barcelona has played out, a move for Kylian Mbappe would have been much more rewarding in hindsight. 

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