A year ago
Barca bet heavily on Lamine Yamal by giving the 15-year-old a 5-year deal
Lamine Yamal, the young winger from FC Barcelona, is set to renew his contract with the club for five seasons once he turns 16 on July 13. Yamal made history on April 29 when he became the youngest player ever to debut in a league match for Barcelona at the age of 15 years, 9 months, and 16 days. His appearance as a substitute against Betis showcased his talent, and he came close to scoring a memorable goal. Now, Yamal is considered a significant prospect for the upcoming season, with the club focusing on nurturing their youth talent.
FC Barcelona sees immense potential in Yamal and views him as a vital part of their plans for the 2023-24 campaign. The club's economic situation and the need to comply with financial fair play regulations have prompted them to prioritize their academy and promote talented youngsters like Yamal. The decision to give him his debut at such a young age was a demonstration of the club's faith in his abilities and a response to interest from other European clubs.
The renewal proposal for Yamal's contract has already been presented to his agent during a meeting with renowned football agent Jorge Mendes. The initial draft offers a five-year contract with a substantial salary increase. However, the contract can only be signed once Yamal reaches the age of 16, which will be on July 13. Both parties are in agreement, and it is expected that Yamal will sign his first professional contract on that day.
During the preseason and the tour of the United States, Yamal will be part of the first-team squad under the guidance of coach Xavi Hernandez. The young winger, who is naturally left-footed but can also play as a false nine, is eager to make a strong impression during the tour and establish himself as one of the standout performers.
The plan devised by Xavi and the sports management is for Yamal to be integrated into the dynamics of the first team while also gaining valuable minutes and experience with the Barcelona B team. Last season, after his debut, Yamal quickly became a trusted option for Xavi, even ahead of established players like Ansu Fati and Ferran Torres. This demonstrated the coach's confidence in Yamal's abilities and his willingness to prioritize youth and talent over age.
Xavi has proven in his short coaching career at Barcelona that he values quality and determination over age. He does not hesitate to give young players opportunities if they demonstrate their potential. With Yamal, Xavi sees a player with immense quality and a strong desire to prove himself. The upcoming season presents a crucial opportunity for Yamal to continue his development and establish himself as a key player for both the first team and the Barcelona B team.
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