Bayern jewel 'flirts' with Barcelona with Lionel Messi and Neymar admission amid Real Madrid and Premier League links
Jamal Musiala, one of Bayern Munich’s brightest stars, has set the soccer world abuzz with comments about his childhood connection to Barcelona. The 21-year-old German international, who is currently navigating complex contract negotiations with the Bavarian giants, has fueled speculation about a future move to the Catalan club. With his contract running until 2026, Musiala remains a key figure at Bayern, but his admiration for Barcelona and Lionel Messi has drawn attention from across Europe.
In a candid interview with BILD, Musiala revealed his deep admiration for Barcelona during his formative years. He described the Catalan club as his “reference point” and shared that he was enamored by their iconic midfield trio of Xavi, Iniesta, and Busquets.
“Barcelona was my reference point, my favorite team. I had a Messi shirt,“ he said. “The midfield with Xavi, Iniesta, and Busquets fascinated me. I could watch their games over and over again.”
The young midfielder also recalled how Lionel Messi, the face of Barcelona’s golden era, was his hero growing up. “On the back of my shirts, when I was a child, Messi almost always appeared. I also had one with Neymar, but Messi was my hero, my favorite player.” These heartfelt admissions highlight the German’s emotional connection to Barcelona, which could influence his career decisions in the future.
Contract stalemate at Bayern could benefit Barcelona
Musiala’s contract with Bayern Munich runs until June 2026, but recent developments suggest that a renewal may not be imminent. The German international has refused to rule out an extension but has emphasized his desire to focus on his performances.
Despite this, Musiala left the door open for a potential renewal, stating, “If I renew with Bayern, that’s my ambition and my goal.” However, he also acknowledged that “all factors influencing this major decision must be suitable.” The lack of concrete progress in renewal talks has led to mounting speculation about his future, with Hansi Flick’s side and other European powerhouses closely monitoring the situation.
Barcelona, renowned for nurturing technically gifted midfielders, has reportedly taken note of Musiala’s admiration for the club. His creativity, vision, and versatility make him an ideal fit for Blaugrana’s playing philosophy, which emphasizes possession and fluid attacking transitions.
However, financial constraints could pose a significant hurdle for Barcelona with its arch-rivals Real Madrid and several Premier League clubs ready to pounce. Bayern Munich is unlikely to part with their prized asset easily, with Musiala’s market value currently estimated at €130 million by Transfermarkt. Unless the Catalans can leverage a contractual situation, securing his services would require substantial investment—something the Catalan club has struggled with in recent years.