Lamine Yamal has been the breakthrough star of the 2023-24 season so far. Despite having only turned 16 in July, he has established himself as a regular starter for Barcelona, and also become Spain’s youngest ever player and goalscorer.
Understandably, Barcelona want to retain Lamine’s services for as long as possible. They have already agreed terms over the teenager’s professional, which has been signed and completed – with only official confirmation pending.
That deal sees Lamine sign on until 2026, as players under the age of 18 can only sign three-year contracts at the maximum. However, Barcelona intend to retain his services much longer than that.
According to MD, Barcelona have already reached an agreement with Jorge Mendes, Lamine’s agent, which will see him extend his stay at the club until at least 2030. Once he turns 18 in July 2025, he will sign a new five-year deal.
It is a smart move from Barcelona, and one that shows just how much faith they have in Lamine, whom many believe could end up becoming this generation’s equivalent of Lionel Messi. However, it is important that expectations are managed, as he is still so young.
