Transfer duel on the horizon: Bayern and BVB vie for „France Messi“ | OneFootball

FC Bayern could become active on the international talent market again this summer. According to reports, the Munich club is intensively involved with the young French attacker Rayane Messi – a player who has already attracted the attention of several top European clubs

The name initially causes confusion: of course it is not world star Lionel Messi, but his young namesake Rayane Messi, who is currently one of the most exciting prospects in French youth soccer

The first reports that FC Bayern were interested in the attacker emerged back in 2024, when the youngster was still under contract with French third division club Dijon FCO

The 18-year-old now plays for RC Strasbourg, but is currently gaining match practice in Saudi Arabia: the French U19 international is on loan to Neom SC until the end of the season

As the Transferfeed portal reports, Messi is planning a return to Europe next summer and several clubs are said to be keeping a close eye on his situation

Bundesliga clubs show interest

photo: IMAGO

In addition to FC Bayern, Borussia Dortmund is also mentioned as a possible interested party, with both Bundesliga clubs monitoring the offensive talent’s development very closely

There is also apparently interest in France, with LOSC Lille and Stade Rennais also keeping a close eye on the young attacker’s performances, according to the report

In sporting terms, however, Messi has yet to produce any spectacular figures this season, scoring four times in 21 competitive matches so far

Prospective player instead of immediate help

In view of his age and his experience to date, Rayane Messi is clearly considered a prospect player. If he were to move to FC Bayern, it is unlikely that he would play for the professionals immediately

Instead, the attacker could initially be introduced to the professional game via the Bayern campus or the second team

However, it remains to be seen whether Munich will actually take action in the summer. In recent years, the record champions have had mixed experiences with young talents from France

In the summer of 2022, for example, Bayern signed Mathys Tel from Ligue 1 for around €30 million. However, the highly talented striker was never able to make a lasting impression in Munich and moved to Tottenham Hotspur in the summer of 2025

Against this backdrop, Bayern could take a particularly close look at Rayane Messi to see whether a transfer is actually worthwhile