Kevin Prince Boateng Reveals the Surprising Key to His Transfer from B

Kevin-Prince Boateng has revealed that Lionel Messi ultimately held the power to decide whether his unexpected transfer to Barcelona would be approved. The former Ghana international joined the Catalan club from Sassuolo in January 2019 on a loan deal with an €8 million option to buy.

Messi's Approval the Key to Boateng's Transfer

According to Boateng, every key figure at the club had already approved the transfer. Club president Josep Maria Bartomeu, manager Ernesto Valverde, and both sporting directors—including Eric Abidal—were in agreement. The paperwork was nearly ready, and Boateng believed he simply had to show up the next day to sign. Then came an unexpected twist.

Messi's Influence on the Transfer

Boateng now tells it that the transfer came to a sudden halt because one final person still had to give the green light: Lionel Messi. Boateng's comments were made on the YouTube podcast Unscripted. He revealed that the entire agreement rested on Messi's approval, which was not widely known at the time. Boateng's arrival in Spain under immediate scrutiny, with old interviews resurfaced suggesting he had admired Real Madrid as a teenager.

Boateng's Initial Reception at Barcelona

Boateng quickly dismissed the controversy in his first press conference. He heaped praise on Messi, calling him "the best player in this world and every world." For Boateng, sharing a dressing room with Messi and Luis Suárez, whom he described as the best striker in the world, per World Soccer Talk. Boateng also explained that while he could operate in multiple roles, the number nine position suited him best at that stage of his career.

Boateng made clear he did not expect to walk into the starting lineup, acknowledging the extraordinary talent within the squad. His aim, he said, was to contribute experience, add depth, and earn an extended stay by performing well. Boateng's comments offer a fresh perspective on his transfer to Barcelona, highlighting the significant influence Messi had on the deal.

Boateng's time at Barcelona was marked by his efforts to prove himself, despite the initial scrutiny. He has since spoken about his experiences on the YouTube podcast Unscripted, providing insight into the transfer process and his relationship with Messi. The revelation that Messi held the power to decide Boateng's transfer adds a new layer of understanding to the events surrounding his move to the Catalan club.

Source: Yen ALL