Former La Masia director reveals Real Madrid star came close to joining Barcelona | OneFootball

As two of the biggest clubs in world football, Barcelona and Real Madrid often tussle for possession of the best players in the world.

Los Blancos may have carved out a reputation for being the team that pulls off more big-name signings, but they often still clash with Barcelona in their pursuit of young and talented players.

From Neymar Jr., to Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo and Endrick, both clubs have often fought hard for the same talents at the early stages of their careers.

The story of a failed transfer

Speaking to the media in a recent interview, Albert Puig, the former director of Barcelona’s academy La Masia revealed that Brahim Diaz was very close to signing for the Blaugrana on two occasions before his career took a drastic turn and he ended up at Real Madrid.

“Yes, twice. The first time we had signed a civil contract with normal amounts. We brought him to La Masia and Xavi and Iniesta took him inside the locker room and started playing with him for half an hour,” he began, confirming the news.

Albert Puig then revealed how the deal was almost closed but fell through owing to a last-minute development, saying:

“He was signing with us, but at the end of the season, his family received an offer from the sheikh of Malaga. They were offered a large house, a private school for their sisters and an impossible improvement in life.”

Brahim came close to joining La Masia in his youth career. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

“I called Jordi Mestre and Guillermo Amor, and we decided to break the contract,” he added.

Speaking on the second occasion Diaz grew close to a move to Barcelona, the ex-director said,

“A year later, Pere Guardiola became his representative, and he refused to play in Malaga because he wanted to come to Barça, but we were slow.”

“In the end, Manchester City paid the €300,000 that Malaga asked for and signed him,” he added.

Puig even opened up on Takefusa Kubo who was one of the brightest talents in La Masia but ended up signing for Real Madrid.

“At Barça, it was said that there was a pre-contract with him, but it was not like that. There was no agreement for him to return.”

“During his time in Tokyo, the club did not have enough communication with him. Maybe at that time, he wasn’t so interested. Then, Madrid stepped forward and made him an offer,” he added.

Source: Mundo Deportivo