Monchi reveals why he rejected Barcelona's offer for Kevin Gameiro
The sporting director says the bid from the Blaugrana was nowhere near the striker's valuation
Sevilla sporting director Monchi has explained the reasons Kevin Gameiro, now at Atletico Madrid, did not sign for Barcelona in the summer.
In an interview with Catalunya Radio, he revealed how the negotiations went for the French striker and why it was not possible to do a deal with the Blaugrana.
“It was interest which went on for a long time and [in the end] I said no. If you want to buy a jacket which is worth 60 euros and you offer me five euros, I’ll say no,” he said.
“They did not come close to meeting our valuation of the player. [The offer] was transmitted to me by an agent. At no moment did I speak with Barça. Not with Robert [Fernandez] nor with Raül Sanllehi.
"Our intention was never to sell the player, but Atletico met the clause and he agreed to go.”
Remember that Gameiro’s release clause was 40 million euros. Atletico Madrid ended up signing him for 30 million euros plus seven million in variables. Sevilla also got Luciano Vietto on loan, a player who had also interested Barça.
In the end, the Blaugrana signed Paco Alcacer from Valencia.
