Contract Talks with Yamal Reflect His Growing Status at Barcelona | OneFootball

Barcelona Confident of Securing Lamine Yamal’s Future

Key Figure in Barça’s Sporting Project

FC Barcelona’s top priority for the upcoming summer is clear: secure the future of 17-year-old prodigy Lamine Yamal. As reported by Mundo Deportivo, the club is eager to tie the winger down to a new long-term contract that reflects both his explosive rise and integral role in the team’s current and future plans.

“Lamine Yamal has insisted on his firm intention to remain at Barça, but has also expressed to his agent his desire to sign a new contract commensurate with his growing prominence and role at the club and internationally, something Jorge Mendes has already conveyed to the club.” The message is unmistakable – the youngster is committed to the Catalan giants but wants recognition in line with his contributions.

Yamal has become one of the standout figures of Xavi’s final season and is expected to be just as influential under the incoming manager, likely Hansi Flick, should the German take charge as anticipated.

Photo: IMAGO

Rising Status in the Squad Hierarchy

Both the club and Jorge Mendes, Yamal’s agent, recognise that the player deserves to be placed in the top bracket of earners. Barcelona appear willing to reward Yamal accordingly, grouping him with fellow young stars Pedri, Gavi, and Raphinha, players who already command significant wages due to their importance.

“FC Barcelona have expressed their willingness to meet Lamine’s expectations. The club sees him as a key player… he is considered among the group of players who will soon command the maximum salary in the squad.”

With Robert Lewandowski’s contract nearing its final year – and set to end on reduced terms – there is a sense that Barcelona are ready to restructure their wage model to focus on youth and sustainability.

Photo IMAGO

Past Deals Linger Over New Negotiations

There is still some caution from Mendes and his team, particularly given previous instances involving João Félix and João Cancelo, whose temporary signings were based on verbal promises that ultimately didn’t materialise. It is a cautionary tale, and one that underscores the importance of formalising terms early.

“João Félix, for example, agreed to receive around €800,000 on loan in order to fit his salary into Barça’s payroll… hoping to be compensated once they exercised a purchase option.”

Barça has already earmarked 13–14 July, Yamal’s 18th birthday, as the date for the new deal to be signed. But so far, discussions have remained verbal, which Mendes wants to rectify swiftly and formally.

Photo IMAGO

Premier League Giants Circle

Despite Yamal’s stated desire to remain in Catalonia, both Liverpool and Manchester City are watching closely. As Mundo Deportivo notes, “Just in case, Manchester City and Liverpool are continuing to monitor Lamine’s situation… although they know the player has made it clear that his priority is to stay at Barcelona.”

Given Barcelona’s recent track record and ongoing financial tightrope, the presence of Premier League interest is not insignificant. Both clubs would jump at the chance to land a generational talent like Yamal – but for now, Barcelona holds the advantage.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

For Barcelona fans, this development represents hope and anxiety in equal measure. On one hand, Yamal is saying all the right things – loyalty, commitment, long-term vision. On the other, there’s the familiar ghost of poor financial management hovering over proceedings. If Yamal’s renewal stutters, supporters will rightly ask if the board has truly learned from past errors.

From a Liverpool perspective, there’s quiet intrigue. The Reds’ recruitment team – focused on identifying long-term attacking talent – will surely have scouted Yamal extensively. Should negotiations stall or Mendes grow weary of verbal agreements, Liverpool could position themselves smartly, especially with Mohamed Salah’s future uncertain beyond 2025.

Manchester City fans may see it differently. Their club has the financial muscle and Champions League status to tempt any youngster. But they’ll also remember similar scenarios where patience and timing were critical – such as their eventual landing of Julián Álvarez. City’s structure might appeal to Mendes, but only if Barcelona continue to dither.

In truth, for all three clubs, this saga illustrates the power young talent now holds. Yamal’s rise has been meteoric, but the next chapter will depend on whether Barcelona can match ambition with action.