Las Palmas defender Mauricio Lemos has revealed he turned down a move to Barcelona due to the problem of finding regular playing time at the Nou Camp. The La Liga winners made attempts to lure the Uruguayan centre-back during their search for a central defender, but Lemos has said he never really considered moving.
Despite completing the signing of Umtiti from Lyon, the Blaugranas were still interested in the defender to provide them with multiple options in central defence. Las Palmas were offered as much as €12 million by the Catalan club for the 20-year-old.
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According to multiple Spanish reports, rivals Real Madrid were also said to be interested in signing the youngster.
Lemos is only concentrating about Las Palmas
"We are talking about one of the best clubs in the world. At the age of 20 and with the offer on the table, I would not have gotten much playing time," Mauricio Lemos was quoted as saying by Sport.
"I think staying at Las Palmas was the best option for me. Anything can happen in football. I am only thinking about Las Palmas right now and about having the best season possible.
"I always knew I wanted to stay at Las Palmas. I just tried to be calm about it all. I am fine here and did not consider leaving.
"When I joined Las Palmas, I said that I wanted to take the time necessary to grow and develop here. Las Palmas is the perfect place to keep on improving the areas where I need to get better."
Part of an exciting Las Palmas team
But, if the Uruguayan defender continues to replicate his last season form, he could be the subject of interest for many clubs in the upcoming transfer window. For now, the youngster is keen on his performances for Las Palmas, where he is provided ample playing time at the Estadio Gran Canaria.
Lemos made his first appearance of the season in the 1-0 win over Malaga at the weekend, as Las Palmas continued their impressive start to their La Liga campaign. The Los Amarillos are placed third on the table with nine points from four games, with Barcelona and Real Madrid the only teams above them.
They currently sit third in the table with nine points from four games, with Barcelona and Real Madrid the only teams ahead of them.
Meanwhile, Barcelona has found a perfect central defender in Samuel Umtiti. He made his first start for France in the Euro 2016 semi-final and impressed in that game, and has adapted well to conditions in Spain.
