Bayern Munich wanted to sign Barcelona UCL hero in 2022 – report | OneFootball

Raphinha has been a revelation under Hansi Flick this season, racking up nine goals and eight assists in just 13 competitive matches.

The Brazilian international spruced up his tally with a brilliant performance against Bayern Munich, with his hat-trick helping Barcelona secure a 4-1 victory at Montjuic last night.

However, had things panned out differently back in 2022, Raphinha would have been playing for FC Bayern.

Bayern tried to sign Raphinha in 2022

As reported by Mundo Deportivo, Bayern Munich were interested in the services of Raphinha at the start of 2022, just months before he eventually joined Barcelona.

During the January transfer window, Bayern Munich were in the market for a winger as they faced the possibility of losing Kingsley Coman on a free transfer.

The Frenchman’s contract was set to expire that summer, prompting the Bavarian giants to look for potential replacements. Raphinha, who was then the standout performer at Leeds United under Marcelo Bielsa, quickly caught their eye.

Raphinha could have joined Bayern in 2022 (Photo by Pedro Salado/Getty Images)

Reports at that time even claimed that Bayern Munich had an agreement with the Brazilian over a €50 million deal.

Why did the Bayern move collapse?

The primary reason the transfer fell through was the renewed negotiations between Kingsley Coman and Bayern Munich. As the two parties inched closer to a contract extension, Bayern no longer felt the urgency to reinforce their attack with Raphinha.

Coman ultimately decided to extend his stay in Bavaria, signing a new contract in early 2022, effectively ending Bayern’s pursuit of Raphinha.

As fate would have it, Barcelona came swooping in for the Brazilian in the summer of 2022, signing the player for a fee of €58 million.

The former Leeds star had a difficult couple of years at Barcelona, but his performances this season have made fans believe in his abilities once again.