Barcelona sporting director Deco is confident teenage sensation Lamine Yamal will agree to a new deal at the club.
The 17-year old is out of contract next year, although he is widely expected to put pen to paper to sign a new long-term deal at the Catalan giants.
Yamal’s impact at Barcelona
The Spanish international’s influence has grown at the Blaugrana since making his debut aged 15 in April 2023.
The youngster’s stocks has risen, pitting him amongst the best players in the world with his performance making him one of the best performers in Europe this season.
Check this: Yamal sets record as Barcelona draw Inter Milan
The 17-year old has scored 16 goals and provided 24 assists in 52 matches in all competitions, including a superb curler in Sunday’s 4-3 win over rivals Real Madrid.
Yamal has five goals and four assists in the UCL this season, with stellar performances in both legs of their semifinal elimination at the hands of Inter Milan.
What Deco said:
“A player has to be happy where they are, but I can’t see a better place for Lamine to be,” Deco told ESPN when asked about Yamal’s contractual situation.
“The boy grew up here; he’s from here. This generation of players has the chance to make history. Putting myself in his shoes, I would want to be here, to be part of it.
I don’t see any problem, especially as he has a contract [until 2026]. [The renewal] will end up happening.”
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Deco did not also rule out further incomings in the summer, although the club’s chances of adding new faces to the squad could be limited by their finances.
“We have already renewed most of the players’ [contracts]; now we need to take care of the others that are still here. I said last year we couldn’t lose anyone and I think it’s the same now.
If we can improve, that’s always an option, but the key is to consolidate what we have for the coming years. Suddenly we feel quite dependent on Raphinha and Lamine. Maybe we need similar players, a solution for them [when they’re not available]”, he continued.
What next for Barcelona?
Hansi Flick’s side have clinched the Spanish Super Cup and the Copa Del Rey titles already this season, and require just two points from their remaining three league games to win a second Laliga title in three years.
The Catalan giants head to neighbors Espanyol on Thursday night, where they could win the league with a victory.
Olakitan is a young writer with a strong passion for sports, having gained experience with IndyPress and Nimelssa Press. His enthusiasm for sports inspired him to cover events both within his school and beyond. With a deep understanding of the game and a refined skillset, he brings sports coverage to a broad, global audience in a way that’s engaging and accessible.
