Barcelona wanted to make Angel Di Maria third-best paid player after Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez — but only offered PSG £27million
Former Manchester United and Real Madrid winger would have been set to earn whopping £175,000-a-week after tax
BARCELONA were ready to make Angel Di Maria the third-highest paid player at the club this summer, according to reports in Spain.
The former Manchester United and Real Madrid winger remained at Paris Saint-Germain beyond the close of the transfer window despite strong interest from the Nou Camp.
Catalan chiefs were eager to bring in a big-name to replace the void left by the departure of Neymar.
And report they were ready to pay Di Maria a whopping £175,000-a-week AFTER tax to secure his services.
However, despite PSG's desperate need to sell in order to comply with Uefa's Financial Fair Play regulations following a big summer of spending, they failed to agree a deal.
Barcelona attempted to take advantage of the situation by refusing to increase their offer above £27million.
Had Di Maria agreed to join, only Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez would have been on higher wages.
The Catalans splashed out on Paulinho and Ousmane Dembele after losing Neymar.
Despite serious question marks following a tumultuous summer, they have started the season in tremendous form.
Ernesto Valverde has seen his side win all three La Liga games so far — without conceding a goal.
They also kicked off their Champions League campaign with bang.
Messi scored twice as Barca battered Juventus 3-0 at the Nou Camp.