According to German journalist Christian Falk's new book, *Transfer Insider*, Bayern Munich's sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic and technical director Marco Neppe traveled to Spain in February 2022. Their primary target was 17-year-old Barcelona midfielder Gavi, but they also inquired about Lamine Yamal.

Yamal's agent, Jorge Mendes, set the price at 5.5 million USD. However, considering the Spanish winger was only 14 at the time, Bayern Munich declined, deeming the asking price too high.

Yamal (right) helped Barca defeat Bayern Munich 4-1 in the 2024-2025 Champions League group stage. Photo: *AFP*

Bayern Munich's decision proved to be a costly mistake. After debuting for Barcelona in April 2023, Yamal committed his future to the club, making any subsequent transfer attempts by Bayern Munich impossible.

In July 2024, Yamal led Spain to victory at the European Championship in Germany, including a 2-1 quarter-final win against the host nation. He also won the tournament's Best Young Player and Goal of the Tournament awards.

Yamal continued to shine in the 2024-2025 season, scoring 18 goals and providing 25 assists in 55 matches. His contributions were instrumental in Barcelona's La Liga, Copa del Rey, and Spanish Super Cup triumphs.

Barcelona recently extended Yamal's contract until June 2031. The teenage star now earns a base salary of 20 million USD per season, plus 7 million USD in performance-based bonuses. Barcelona also set his release clause at 1.1 billion USD.

Born in 2007 in Barcelona, Spain, to Moroccan immigrants, Yamal joined Barcelona's famed La Masia academy in 2014.

La Masia has produced numerous stars for Barcelona's first team, including Pep Guardiola, Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Carles Puyol, and Lionel Messi, as well as current players like Gavi, Yamal, and Pau Cubarsi. However, some players, such as Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal) and Gerard Pique (Manchester United), left before making their first-team debuts, only to return to Barcelona later and achieve great success.

Thanh Quy (*Bild*)