Report: Bayern Munich Ended Boateng Transfer Talks With PSG in 2018 After Former Sporting Director Henrique No-Showed to a Meeting

Originally posted on PSG Talk | By Steve Zavala | Last updated 7/31/20

In the summer of 2018, Paris Saint-Germain was in the market for a center-back. Club officials were interested in several defenders but zoned in on one German talent: Jerome Boateng. In July, PSG jumpstarted transfer discussions with Boateng’s agent in hopes of beginning to put together the framework for a deal.

At one point, a deal between PSG and Bayern seemed inevitable. However, discussions were suddenly halted and the club looked elsewhere for defensive reinforcements, which they later found in Thilo Kehrer from FC Schalke 04. No exact reason was given as to why transfer talks between the two clubs were abruptly called off. But a new report is shedding light on just what occurred in the Boateng transfer saga.

According to a report from Sport Bild (via Tz), Bayern sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic and now former PSG sporting director Antero Henrique were set to meet in August to further discuss the transfer of Boateng. Both parties agreed to a face-to-face discussion but Henrique no showed the formal meeting because he had overslept. As a result, Bayern increased its asking price for Boateng up to €50 million, which the club knew PSG would have absolute no interest in. Talks subsequently ended after that and Bayern decided to keep the German defender.

This all provides further context to Salihamidzic and Bayern club president Uli Hoeness’ comments on Henrique later that year.

Salihamidzic unleashed on PSG following the disastrous transfer negotiations.

Hasan Salihamidzic on PSG's negotiations for Jerome Boateng to Sport1: "The tactics from the other side were funny. I don't want to offend anyone, I'm just saying that you can not do that kind of thing with Bayern Munich, especially when it comes to such a player," #FCBayern #PSG

— Ronan Murphy (@swearimnotpaul) September 2, 2018

Hoeness also had his say (via Goal) on the antics from Henrique during negotiations.

“I would advise PSG to replace their sporting director,” Hoeness said. “The man is not a great figurehead for the club. PSG cannot afford to have such a sporting director if they want to be one the best clubs in the world.”

Hoeness did get his wish as Henrique was let go from his role as PSG sporting director a year later. More importantly, the Bayern president must be relieved now looking back that PSG did not go all in on a deal for Boateng as the German defender has proved to be a key contributor in the team’s ongoing reign of dominance in Germany.

This article first appeared on PSG Talk and was syndicated with permission.

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