Hasan Salihamidžić (foto: Getty Images)
Former Bayern Munich sports director Hasan Salihamidžić recognized the exceptional talent of 14-year-old Lamine Yamal, predicting his future greatness. Despite his efforts, Bayern couldn't secure Yamal, who now shines for Barcelona and Spain.
Hasan Salihamidžić, once a pivotal figure at Bayern Munich both as a player and as a sports director, foresaw the potential of a young talent who has since begun to fulfill his promise. At just 14 years old, Lamine Yamal caught Salihamidžić's eye, who boldly predicted that the youngster would become a future Ballon d'Or winner. Two years later, it is evident that the former Bosnian international was right.
Bayern Munich has been home to numerous top-tier players, focusing on acquiring elite talent while also aiming to discover young prodigies. Salihamidžić, during his tenure as sports director, made many significant moves, but the missed opportunity to sign Lamine Yamal is a notable regret.
Currently, Spain is one of the strongest teams at the Euro 2024, with Yamal being a standout talent. The 16-year-old Barcelona winger has already made a significant impact, scoring five goals and providing eight assists in 37 La Liga appearances. His performances have continued to impress in the Champions League and domestic cup competitions.
Yamal's talent was evident early on, and Bayern made a concerted effort to bring him to Munich when he was just 14. Salihamidžić and Bayern's scouting director Marco Neppe were convinced of Yamal's future greatness. They watched him play for Barcelona's youth team and even held a meeting with his then-advisor Ivan de la Peña in 2022. However, Yamal chose to stay at Barcelona, feeling no need to leave his home club.
Yamal's contract with Barcelona runs until the summer of 2026, and the club is eager to extend it further to avoid a situation similar to Kylian Mbappe's move from PSG to Real Madrid. Yamal has already made nine appearances and scored two goals for the Spanish national team, helping them secure a place in the Euro 2024 knockout stages.
Despite Bayern's missed opportunity, PSG remains hopeful of signing Yamal. The Parisian club is prepared to break transfer records, willing to pay more than the €222 million they spent on Neymar in 2017. However, Barcelona seems determined to keep their prodigy, with a release clause set at an astronomical €1 billion.