A 19-year-old used the Allianz Arena on Saturday evening to put on a big show. Desiré Doué almost played there regularly, but things turned out differently.
It’s a popular game: how would the story have continued if a decision had been made differently in the past? It can be retold using the example of Desiré Doué and FC Bayern, even if much of it must remain speculative.
Last summer, quite a few people wondered why FC Bayern, in the person of sporting director Max Eberl, was so keen to sign Doué. Especially since the asking price of over 50 million euros seemed exorbitant for the then 18-year-old.
The interest continued over the weeks, and it was only after his participation in the Olympic Games that the coveted talent from Stade Rennes’ renowned youth academy said yes: not to FC Bayern, but to Paris St. Germain. On Saturday evening, the relationship reached its preliminary climax: Doué set up the 1-0 goal in the Champions League final against Inter in Munich and followed up with a brace.
Bayern lacked income from sales
One reason for the collapse of the Doué deal: At the time, the Munich club had already invested around €125 million in Michael Olise, Joao Palhinha, and Hiroki Ito, and would have needed more in addition to the subsequent sales of Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui—for Doué, for Jonathan Tah, who is now available on a free transfer on July 1, and for other possible reinforcements. But Kingsley Coman, Leon Goretzka and Serge Gnabry stayed. Will this scenario repeat itself this summer due to existing contracts?
It remains speculative how things would have turned out for Doué in Munich. Would he have made his breakthrough like Olise? Or would his fate have been similar to that of Mathys Tel, who, despite all his talent, was passed on to Tottenham Spurs? After all, Doué also needed time to settle in Paris.
A German tabloid described him as a flop in the fall, with FC Bayern also interested in him. That’s how quickly the truth can change in professional soccer. On Saturday evening, Doué made his big appearance at the Allianz Arena. And it may not be his last: if France beats Spain in the Nations League semifinals on Thursday, Doué will return for the final next Sunday.
