In March of this year, Bolanews learned that Zambia Women’s National Team skipper and Shanghai Shengli striker Barbara Banda was sought after by French giants Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) last year but she turned down the offer.
Prior to PSG’s interest, the 23-year-old attacker was due to join Spanish club Real Madrid in early 2022.
Her supposed move to Real Madrid was, however, halted following her disqualification from participating in the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), BolaNews was exclusively informed by Soccer Donna.
Real Madrid approached Banda just after the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, where she scored hat tricks in two matches against the Netherlands and China to become the first woman in Olympic history to achieve the feat.
RELATED ARTICLE: Why Barbara Banda’s Move to Real Madrid Was Halted
Copper Queens coach Bruce Mwape also confirmed to journalists in Lusaka on June 9, 2022, that the player had been excused from camp to finalize her transfer to the Spanish club.
“Barbara is not with us today because she has been excused to complete her move. As you may all be aware, she will be joining a Spanish club,” said Mwape.
After the Madrid deal fell through, Banda and her agent held talks with PSG. The French giants were interested in acquiring the Olympic record-breaker, but the two parties couldn’t agree on the wages.
According to an insider, PSG proposed less pay than she is currently earning in China.
“The deal was almost complete but PSG were offering her less and she turned down the offer,” said the insider.
It is also understood that the taxes charged on the gross income of foreign players in France are too high. That further explains Banda’s refusal to accept PSG’s offer.
What’s next for Banda?
In a recent interview with Bolanews, Banda responded to talks of her leaving China for a different club.
“I have left everything for my agent; he is the one organizing everything,” she stated.
Banda further stated, “As a player, I am just working hard and my agent is doing everything.”
Banda will captain Zambia at next month’s Australia/New Zealand FIFA Women’s World Cup, set to kick off on July 20th.
The Copper Queens are in Group C alongside Spain, Costa Rica, and Japan. They will begin their campaign against Japan on July 22.
