Bundesliga striker reveals Champions League ‘dream’ amid Barcelona interest – ‘I get goosebumps’

Asllani dreams of playing in the UCL. (Photo by Neil Baynes/Getty Images)

“Of course, the Champions League is every footballer’s dream. I think it’s a wonderful feeling to play in it. I get goosebumps just watching it on TV and hearing the anthem,” he said.

He went further and admitted it is almost a lifelong goal, saying: “I always watch the Champions League with my dad, so playing in it one day is a big goal for me. It’s something I’ve been dreaming of since I was a little boy.”

These statements, from a Barça perspective, can be seen as a clear nod towards a club that regularly offers that elite European stage, which they do.

Asllani’s comments come just weeks after rumours about a move to Barcelona intensified. It is worth recalling that his agent, Ayman Dahmani, had already confirmed contacts with the Blaugrana over a move.

Barça’s sporting department sees him as an ideal profile – mobile, technically strong, and capable of linking play – to gradually take over the attacking responsibility from Robert Lewandowski.

However, competition will be fierce: Premier League giants like Chelsea and Tottenham, as well as German champions Bayern Munich, are also pushing for a player whose release clause is believed to be between €25 and €29 million.