Former Chelsea and Brazil star Oscar has revealed that he came close to linking up with La Liga giants Barcelona back in 2022.
The transfer, however, was ultimately blocked by the inability of the Camp Nou brass to offload defender Samuel Umiti.
Oscar is of course widely known across the world of football for his decision to depart Europe at the peak of his powers in 2017, to indulge in the riches on offer in China with Shanghai Port.
The attacking midfielder stayed put in Asia for a full seven years, before bringing a close to his Shanghai stint in 2024.
Speaking during a public appearance this week, though, Oscar revealed just how close he came to a move back to Europe two years prior, in January of 2022.
A guest on former Chelsea teammate John Obi Mikel’s personal podcast, ‘The Obi One’, the now-34-year-old admitted:
“When Barcelona were going through financial problems, they tried to sign me from China to play for free for six months. Xavi was the coach and the deal was very close. Everything depended on Umtiti leaving… but they couldn’t find him a club in time.”
Quotes via Diario Sport
Conor Laird – GSFN
