From Agüero to Kaká: Superstars who nearly joined Bayern | OneFootball

FC Bayern is one of the biggest clubs in the world - and yet, over the years, there have been transfers that were on the verge of completion but ultimately failed. From Raphaël Varane to Neymar: A look back at several stars who almost landed at Säbener Straße.

In 2011, Willy Sagnol discovered the talent of Raphaël Varane and recommended him to Bayern. But the transfer fee seemed too high, and so the Frenchman moved to Real Madrid for just under ten million euros - where he became the defensive chief for over a decade.

Gennaro Gattuso was also close to a move to Munich. "If I had left Milan, it would only have been for Bayern," he once said. But Carlo Ancelotti convinced him to stay with the Rossoneri - allegedly by locking him in the club museum.

Agüero and van Nistelrooy: Bitter Rejections

Sergio Agüero himself revealed how close he was to Bayern. Scouts watched him in a game against Estudiantes - he had a terrible day, while José Sosa impressed. The Munich team signed Sosa, Agüero later ended up at Atlético Madrid and became a world star at Manchester City.

The situation was even more bitter in 2006 with Ruud van Nistelrooy. According to his own statements, the deal with Bayern was almost perfect before Real Madrid called. The Dutchman chose the Royals - and personally apologized to Uli Hoeneß.

Ibrahimovic and Neymar: Missed Spectacles

Photo: IMAGO

Zlatan Ibrahimovic himself regretted never having played in Munich. "FC Bayern is one of the five biggest clubs in the world," he said. But there was never a real opportunity.

The failed deal with Neymar was more spectacular. Pep Guardiola desperately wanted to sign the Brazilian superstar in 2013 and even visited him at night to convince him. Guardiola predicted 60 goals per season for him - but Neymar chose FC Barcelona and Lionel Messi.

Kaka: Lederhosen instead of a Transfer

Later World Footballer of the Year Kaká was also close to a Bayern transfer. Club scout Wolfgang Dremmler raved about him, Kaká even posed in lederhosen for a commercial. But the Munich team hesitated with an offer because the squad was full. AC Milan seized the opportunity and signed the Brazilian - the rest is history.

Whether Varane, Agüero or Neymar: Bayern has repeatedly missed out on potential world stars - sometimes for financial reasons, sometimes for sporting reasons. The fact that the Munich team regularly wins titles speaks for the strength of the club. But the list of "almost transfers" shows how differently the history of the record champions could have unfolded with these names.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.