Just in: Bayern Munich interested in several Barcelona players including Pedri

During the summer transfer window of 2021, president-elect Joan Laporta had to force his hand and sell several assets of the team, including Antoine Griezmann, on deadline day to rivals Atletico Madrid. Even team captain Lionel Messi had to leave in order to help stabilise the team financially.

However, the problem is far from over, and since offloading players is the easiest way to gain revenue, other clubs have been eyeing several Barcelona targets. SPORT have now reported that Bayern Munich are closely monitoring Barça’s financial demise and are interested in several of their players.

This, however, is no surprise. Over the last couple of years, Barcelona and Bayern have gone head-to-head for several players, with the former coming out on top. The most recent example of the same is Sergino Dest, who chose the La Liga club despite a better offer from Bayern.

Moreover, the Bavarians had been linked to Frenkie de Jong after the 2019/20 season. The Dutchman had a poor start to life at the Catalan capital, and the then Champion League holders wanted to capitalise on Barça’s financial vulnerability.

Pedri, too, was a subject of a move to Bundesliga almost immediately after signing for Barcelona. Bayern wanted him on loan, but the move failed to materialise courtesy of Ronald Koeman, who was impressed with his training.

Another player that could be on Julian Nagelsmann’s list is Marc-Andre ter Stegen. The shot-stopper was on the radar for Bayern several years back as Manuel Neuer’s replacement and could be the perfect short-term fit till they can source a long-term option.

One can assume that these four, among other talented players like Gavi, could be on the list for Bayern. That said, all of them come with hefty release clauses. While poaching someone like ter Stegen will be (relatively) easier than de Jong or Pedri, it is likely to come with a considerable incoming transfer fee.

Barça Universal Opinion

Well, this is the first of the many transfer reports that will follow till June, at the very least, about how financially stronger teams want Barcelona’s players. And do not be surprised if Joan Laporta and co. do balancing some of these offers for the fan-favourite players.

That said, if there is any truth to these reports, Frenkie de Jong and Pedri should be on the non-transferable list. The two could lead Barcelona’s midfield for years to come, and there is no reason to let them go because of a problem that could be solved in other ways.

Marc-Andre ter Stegen, however, is an expendable asset. With Inaki Pena in the wings and someone like Andre Onana available on a free transfer, Barcelona should make most of any and all bids that come through for the German.