BARCELONA SPORTING DIRECTOR Albert Soler has claimed the club had an agreement in place to sign Paul Pogba after the 2014-15 season.
Pogba became the world’s most expensive footballer when he rejoined Manchester United from Juventus for a fee of £89 million.
Speaking at a news conference to mark the end of the transfer window, Soler said Barcelona were in position to sign the France international a year ago but did not feel compelled to complete the deal, before balking at the price this time around.
“Last year we reached an agreement with Juventus: if they wanted to sell Pogba we would have a priority,” he said. “That was the commitment that we had. Juve did not want to sell the player and we didn’t have the need to sign him.
Barcelona has always had a great relationship with Juventus. If we would have wanted to do the deal, nobody could advance us.
“We signed six players with €120 million. If one club can pay €120m for one player (it) will be very difficult to sign great players.”
Among the players acquired during a productive transfer window for the LaLiga champions was Paco Alcacer, ending a lengthy search for forward cover.
The presence of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez appeared prohibitive for a number of reported Barca targets but technical secretary Robert Fernandez is delighted to have Alcacer on board and believes the 23-year-old Spain international is relishing the challenge.
I think that we have done a very good job with this transaction,” he said. “We’ve got a very good player who we think is going to help us a lot.
“He has the best in front of him, that’s for certain. He has to learn from the best — Luis Suarez — and I’ve told him that.
“I’ve told all the players who have arrived what is required and how it will be difficult to play. It’s a beautiful challenge.
“They are in good shape, they are very young, they are excited and I’m convinced they are going to help us.”
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