Bayern land first blow ahead of summer transfer war with Barcelona

FT Desk

7 Apr 2022 16:52 CDT
6 min read

Ajax defender Noussair Mazraoui — © ProShots

It seems almost inevitable that Bayern Munich and Barcelona will lock horns over a number of issues in this summer’s transfer window.

Although both clubs are at different levels of European competition at the moment, both are in need of some serious transfer business in the coming months and as a result they have been linked with moves for the same players or each of their own stars.

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However, reports in Germany are now suggesting that the Munich giants may have claimed the first win in what looks certain to be an on-going battle between the two clubs this summer.

Bayern set for double Ajax signing

According to German broadcaster Sky Sports, the Munich giants have already swooped for not one but two Ajax players before the transfer window has even opened.

Not only do the club plan on signing midfielder Ryan Gravenberch for a reported fee that is set to go over €20 million, but they have also reportedly completed the signing of right-back Noussair Mazraoui on a free transfer.

Update #Mazraoui & #Gravenberch: BOTH players said YES to #FCBayern confirmed! Nagelsmann is close to get his desired players for 2 vacant positions. At least 1 midfielder will leave: Tolisso (likely), Roca or Sabitzer. No concrete offers for Sarr so far. @SkySportNews 🇲🇦🇳🇱
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) April 7, 2022

Of course, Mazraoui was a huge transfer target for Barca, who were reportedly on the cusp of signing the Ajax star a few weeks ago, before Bayern apparently stepped in and offered the defender more money.

As such, it now seems as though Bayern have convinced the Moroccan to pick Munich over Barcelona next season.

Barca and Bayern to battle on for other stars

While Barca may have missed out on Mazraoui, there are still a number of signings they could make to improve their squad and get one over Bayern.

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A post shared by Noussair Mazraoui (@nousmaz97)

For example, the Catalan giants have shown a huge interest in Chelsea defenders Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger, who are also transfer targets for Bayern. Should the Spanish giants land one or both players, it could lead to huge issues for Bayern and their back line next season.

However, the biggest blow Barca could land on Bayern would be the signing of Robert Lewandowski.

As reported exclusively by FootballTransfers, the club have made the Poland international their no.1 transfer target and should Lewandowski turn down a contract offer from Bayern in the coming months, the German giants may need to relinquish their best player and bitterly allow him to make the move to Spain.