Bayern Munich Tried to Steal Lamine Yamal From Barcelona
A book in Germany reveals that Bayern tried to take Lamine Yamal in 2022, before he had even debuted for Barça. Today, he’s a Ballon D’Or candidate.
The Gem Bayern Wanted to Snatch Early
German journalist Christian Falk, in his book Transfer-Insider, uncovered an episode that could have changed the recent history of FC Barcelona. In February 2022, Bayern Munich officials, led by Hasan Salihamidzic and Marco Neppe, landed in Barcelona with a clear mission: to explore the signing of Lamine Yamal, a boy who had not yet debuted in the first team.
The La Masia winger was only 14 years old and already seen as a special talent. At the time, he was switching agents to be represented by Jorge Mendes, which made contacts easier. There was even talk of a €5 million fee to pry him away from Barcelona, though in Munich the figure was considered too high for a teenager.
Gavi, the Perfect Excuse
The “official justification” for the trip was Gavi, already a starter for Barça’s first team and a priority target for Bayern. However, the German delegation used the opportunity to also try to secure the signing of a youngster unknown to the general public: Lamine Yamal. Barça, fully aware of the treasure they had in their academy, resisted and shut down any chance of an exit.
What seemed like a risky gamble in 2022 is now understood as a missed opportunity for the Bavarians.
From Promise to Global Star
The rest is history: in April 2023, Xavi Hernández gave him his debut at just 15 years old. After the departure of Ousmane Dembélé, Yamal quickly established himself as a starter, and in October 2023 he renewed until 2026. By May 2025, he signed a new contract until 2031, already with the salary and clauses of a global star.
Today, at just 18 years old, Lamine Yamal is one of the frontrunners for the 2025 Ballon d’Or, which will be awarded in Paris. The teenager who could have left for Munich for €5 million is now worth hundreds of millions and is Barça’s greatest hope for the future.
The Future Barça Refused to Lose
The revelation in Falk’s book highlights not only Bayern’s vision but also Barça’s determination at a critical moment. Preventing the departure of Lamine Yamal was a strategic success that secured both present and future. The academy graduate, already an idol, represents the treasure that Barça never allowed to be stolen.
