Barcelona’s rising star Lamine Yamal could have been wearing Bayern Munich colors today, had the German giants successfully completed a €5 million transfer deal back in 2022. The then-15-year-old winger was on Bayern’s radar alongside Gavi, with the Bavarians confident they could secure both talented youngsters from La Masia.
The Deal That Never Happened
Bayern Munich sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic personally flew to Barcelona to negotiate Yamal’s transfer in 2022. The player himself was reportedly willing to make the move to the Allianz Arena, but his age created a significant legal obstacle – at 15, Yamal couldn’t officially sign a professional contract. This technicality proved decisive when his agent, Jorge Mendes, stepped in to advise the youngster to remain loyal to Barcelona instead.
From €5M to €200M: Yamal’s Meteoric Rise
Since staying at Barcelona, Yamal has become one of European football’s most exciting prospects. The Spanish international has established himself as a key player for both club and country, with his market value experiencing astronomical growth. Recent reports suggest Barcelona is preparing a mega-contract worth €200 million to secure his long-term future, representing a 4,000% increase from Bayern’s original bid.
Paris Saint-Germain also attempted to lure Yamal away last summer, but their advances were rejected by both player and club. The missed opportunity serves as a stark reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in modern football, with Bayern’s failure to complete the deal potentially costing them one of the game’s brightest talents.