In 2022, Bayern Munich actively attempted to recruit Lamine Yamal according to the German newspaper Bild. At that time, Salihamidzic, then sports director of the Bavarian club, went to Spain to meet Ivan de la Peña in order to convince the young player to join Germany alongside Gavi. Bayern could not bring him before 2023, but had tried to seduce the family of Lamine Yamal by offering an early move to his 16 years, accompanied by compensation of 5 million euros.
However, the operation was interrupted when Jorge Mendes intervened and acquired the rights of the player, breaking any agreement with Bayern. Yamal, who had already made his debut with Barça before his 16th birthday, then made the unique opportunity that was offered to him within the Catalan club. This stage marked a decisive turning point in his young career, pushing him to favor continuity at Barça rather than a hasty departure towards Germany. Now, it is one of the big favorites for the Ballon d'Or 2025, which will take place on September 22.
