A Missed Golden Opportunity
According to fresh reports from Germany and Spain, FC Bayern Munich came very close to signing Lamine Yamal in 2022 for a fee of only โฌ5 million. At the time, Yamal was still considered one of Barcelonaโs brightest La Masia academy prospects, but had not yet exploded onto the European stage as he has in recent months.
The deal was said to be at an advanced stage, with then-Bayern sporting director Hasan Salihamidลพiฤ working directly with Yamalโs representatives to secure the transfer.
Negotiations Were Nearly Complete
Insiders claim that Salihamidลพiฤ and Yamalโs advisor had already reached an agreement in principle. The plan would have seen the teenager join Bayernโs youth system, with a pathway mapped out toward the first team. For a club known for scouting and securing young talent early, this could have been another Alphonso Davies-style coup.
However, the situation took a dramatic turn just as the agreement was nearing completion.
A Change of Agency Stopped the Move
Reports suggest that Yamalโs sudden change of management played a decisive role in derailing the deal. Once he switched agencies, the negotiations with Bayern fell apart. The new representatives encouraged him to stay at Barcelona, convinced that the Catalan giants would eventually give him opportunities at the senior level.
That decision proved decisive, as Barcelona moved quickly to tie him down with a long-term contract.
From โฌ5 Million Prospect to Global Star
Fast forward to 2025, and Lamine Yamal is now regarded as one of the best young players in the world. His performances for Barcelona and the Spanish national team have skyrocketed his market value well beyond โฌ100 million. What might have been a bargain signing for Bayern is now remembered as a painful โwhat-ifโ in transfer history.
Bayern Left Reflecting on What Could Have Been
For Bayern fans, the story serves as a reminder of how unpredictable the transfer market can be. A deal that once looked straightforward slipped away due to circumstances beyond their control. Instead of wearing red in Munich, Yamal has become a cornerstone of Barcelonaโs present and future.
As for Bayern, the club continues to search for the next breakthrough talentโbut missing out on Lamine Yamal for just โฌ5 million will go down as one of the most dramatic near-misses in recent years.
