How Jorge Mendes Blocked Lamine Yamal’s Bayern Transfer and Secured Barcelona’s Future Star

Key Takeaways:

• In 2022, Lamine Yamal nearly agreed a €5m move to Bayern Munich before changing his mind under Jorge Mendes’ guidance
• Adam Aznou, Yamal’s La Masia teammate, did depart Barcelona for Bayern Munich as a 16-year-old on a free transfer in 2022
• This summer, Adam Aznou was transferred from Bayern Munich to Everton for €9m after a loan spell at Real Valladolid

Jorge Mendes’ Influence on Barcelona’s Young Phenomenon

Football clubs often hinge on pivotal decisions and timing, with the careers of young talents influenced by key figures behind the scenes. Barcelona’s discovery and retention of Lamine Yamal, now donning the iconic number 10 shirt long associated with Lionel Messi, is a case in point – and owes much to the intervention of agent Jorge Mendes.

Mendes, whose long-standing relationship with Barcelona President Joan Laporta is well documented, also played a mentoring role in the career of current Director of Football Deco. While Mendes’ close ties to the Catalan club have occasionally come under scrutiny in Spain – particularly following the unsuccessful loan arrivals of Joao Felix and Joao Cancelo – his influence has proved decisive in the case of Yamal.

🚨 In 2022, FC Bayern internally discussed buying 14-year-old Lamine Yamal for €5 million. @BILD pic.twitter.com/5FGRE4VeVT

— Lamine Yamal Xtra (@Yamal_Xtra) September 10, 2025

The Bayern Munich Bid: A Sliding Doors Moment

According to several sources, Bayern Munich Sporting Director Hasan Salihamidzic made a direct approach to Barcelona in 2022, targeting not only Gavi but also highly-rated prospect Lamine Yamal. Bayern successfully persuaded Yamal and his family to consider a switch to Germany, reportedly agreeing a €5m package for the teenage forward.

However, as Yamal had not yet turned 16, the move could not officially be finalised for another year. During this waiting period, Yamal appointed Jorge Mendes as his agent. With Mendes representing his interests, negotiations stalled and Yamal ultimately decided to remain at Barcelona, abandoning plans to leave La Masia for Munich.

La Masia Departures: Adam Aznou’s Transfer Journey

While Barcelona managed to retain Yamal, the club did lose another promising academy left-back to Bayern Munich in 2022. Adam Aznou, who was a close acquaintance of Yamal during their time at La Masia, departed on a free transfer aged 16. At that time, Aznou was regarded as one of the most talented defenders in the youth ranks.

Aznou spent the second half of last season on loan at Real Valladolid, after which Barcelona continued to monitor his development. This summer, Bayern Munich sold Aznou to Everton for €9m.