Barcelona have gone this season without a number 10 in their squad after Ansu Fati left the club late in the transfer window to join Brighton and Hove Albion on loan. With the Blaugrana considering selling Fati this summer, the topic of who should inherit his number, and ultimately the shadow of Lionel Messi, has come up in the offices of Les Corts.
As per Bar Canaletes, and later Barca Reservat, Barcelona have discussed giving the number 10 jersey to Lamine Yamal with agent Jorge Mendes. The latter claim that there are some fears that similar could happen to Lamine Yamal as was the case with Ansu Fati, that it could put undue pressure and stress on him. However the club also want someone marketable, Joao Felix’s stock has dropped dramatically, the likes of Pedri and Gavi already have significant numbers, and Ilkay Gundogan has no desire to wear it.
Que nos gustan los Gossips en @BarCanaletes
1.- Guille Fernández/Jorge Mendes.
2.- Reunión Echevarría-Jordi Juan.
3.- Lewandowski y su continuidad.
4.- Neymar y su voluntad de volver.
Here we go!! pic.twitter.com/q3XvDDYIl7— Dongcast (@JoanFontes) March 27, 2024
Mendes also discussed 15-year-old Guille Fernandez, the latest La Masia midfielder to impress, and Mendes’ latest recruit. He has suggested that Fernandez start training with the first team from time to time, and that he be put on the fast-track to developing into a first-team player. The Portuguese super-agent has a number of offers for Fernandez from the likes of Bayer Leverkusen and other sides in Germany.
🚨 Vitor Roque trained at a very high level during the break and could start against Las Palmas on Saturday. Lewandowski could be rested. @scapde_45 🇧🇷
— barcacentre (@barcacentre) March 28, 2024
It would be a significant amount of pressure to place on Lamine Yamal’s shoulders at just 17 as he would turn in August, and in normal circumstances, a risk not worth taking. However given the financial situation at Barcelona, they will be doing all they can to maximise resources, and giving Lamine Yamal the number 10 shirt might be the most lucrative option they have.
