Barcelona star Lamine Yamal turned down the chance to sign for Bayern Munich at the age of 14, according to a report.
Yamal, who will turn 17 until July, has enjoyed an impressive 2023/24 season for both club and country. After registering seven goals and ten assists in 50 games for Barca, he has been called up to the Spanish squad for their Euro 2024 campaign.
The midfielder has starred for La Roja in their two matches so far, helping them to a 3-0 win over Croatia and a 1-0 win against Italy.
Sky Sport Germany they say Yamal's career so far could have looked different, as Bayern identified him as a 'top target' when he was only 14 years old.
Hasan Salihamidzic and Marco Neppe, then an integral part of Bayern's inner structure, believed that Yamal could be a future Ballon d'Or contender, especially after watching the player in UEFA Youth League action.
Bayern have been able to meet with their agent, former Spanish midfielder Ivan de la Pena, about a possible move. But in the end, Yamal rejected the advances of Bayern as he saw no reason to leave the boyhood club Barcelona.
Today, Bayern are close to completing the signing of a different left-footed winger. Crystal Palace's Michael Olise has agreed to join the Bundesliga giants, choosing them over the likes of Chelsea and Newcastle United.
Barcelona, on the other hand, remains interested in Nico Williams of Athletic Club, who played with Yamal in Spain at Euro 2024.
However, Athletic are adamant that Williams wants to stay, and Barca's financial problems may make it difficult for them to compete with other teams to sign him, although Yamal has appealed to bring in his international colleague.
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