Brentford manager Thomas Frank has made the stunning revelation that Paris Saint-Germain tabled a monumental €90 million (£77.5m) offer to sign Randal Kolo Muani from Eintracht Frankfurt last summer, a bid that was ultimately rejected.
The Danish coach, speaking candidly, disclosed that the Bees were also keenly interested in the French international striker but were simply priced out of the market by the astronomical figures involved. The 25-year-old forward eventually completed a high-profile move to his hometown club, PSG, on transfer deadline day for a fee reported to be in the region of €95 million.
Frank's Frank Admission on Missed Target
"We were considering Kolo Muani," Frank admitted, pulling back the curtain on Brentford's transfer strategy. "The reality, however, is that the final price tag soared to an eye-watering €95 million. I can even share that PSG's initial offer was a whopping €90 million, which Frankfurt turned down."
This insight provides a rare glimpse into the stratospheric financial power of Europe's elite clubs and the immense valuation placed on top-tier attacking talent. Brentford, known for their shrewd and analytical approach to the market, recognised the limits of their pursuit early on.
The Domino Effect of a Mega-Money Move
Kolo Muani's protracted transfer saga was one of the stories of the summer window. His eventual move to Parc des Princes was part of a chain reaction that saw PSG's iconic forward Neymar depart for Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal.
Since returning to Ligue 1, Kolo Muani has faced the immense pressure that comes with a nine-figure price tag. While yet to hit a consistent run of scintillating form, he has still managed to contribute crucial goals for the Parisian champions, including a memorable strike against rivals Marseille.
Frank's comments highlight the ever-widening financial chasm in modern football, where a club like Brentford, despite its Premier League status and ambitious project, can be instantly eliminated from the race for a signature by the sheer spending power of a state-backed superclub.
