Former Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has shed new light on the chaotic aftermath of Neymar's record-breaking €222 million transfer to Paris Saint-Germain—a move that still stands as the most expensive in football history and sent shockwaves through the Camp Nou.

In a candid interview with SER, Bartomeu revealed that the club was completely blindsided by the Brazilian star's departure. "Neymar's departure came as a shock to the club; we didn't want him to leave," he admitted, reflecting on a transfer that marked a pivotal turning point for Barcelona.

With the summer transfer window ticking down, Barcelona scrambled to find a replacement. Bartomeu disclosed that the club explored two high-profile options: a rising star from AS Monaco and a Borussia Dortmund winger. "We made an offer for Mbappe and another for Dembele. The coaching staff preferred Dembele," he explained.

At the time, Kylian Mbappe was electrifying Ligue 1 with his pace and skill, but the price tag proved daunting. "It wasn't an offer in the strict sense. They would say to you: he's worth €180 million. If you want Mbappe, it's €180 million, and Paris paid it," Bartomeu noted, referencing PSG's eventual signing of the French prodigy.

Instead, Barcelona committed €105 million, plus €40 million in potential add-ons, to secure Ousmane Dembele from Dortmund—a decision driven by the coaching staff's preference. The move was a gamble that ultimately didn't pay off as hoped, with Dembele's time at the club marred by injuries and inconsistency.

Bartomeu also offered a glimpse into his leadership philosophy, emphasizing his hands-off approach to football decisions. "The only decision I made as president or as an administrator, and which I defended vigorously, was the signing of Luis Suarez," he stated. "I was heavily criticised by all the media, so I learnt the lesson that the president or administrators cannot interfere in sporting matters."

This revelation adds another chapter to the fascinating "what if" story of Barcelona's transfer history. For fans and collectors alike, it's a reminder of how pivotal moments in football shape the gear we wear and the memories we cherish—whether it's a Dembele jersey from that turbulent season or the enduring legacy of Barcelona's golden era.