Barcelona plan to build the club’s future around €90 million-rated crown jewel

Lamine Yamal’s meteoric rise to fame has captured the spotlight during the ongoing European Championship, and Barcelona are keen to build their future team around this young prodigy.

According to journalist Alex Pintanel, the club sees Yamal as the centrepiece of their long-term project, aiming to develop a squad that thrives under his leadership.

Yamal’s stellar performances at Euro 2024 have not gone unnoticed by Barcelona. His standout display against France, where he netted a crucial goal, brought immense joy to the club, especially to President Joan Laporta, who couldn’t hide his excitement after the match.

Despite his youth, Yamal has shattered all expectations and Barcelona are cautious about burdening him with comparisons to Lionel Messi, acknowledging that while Yamal is still at the beginning of his career with much to learn, his impact on the field evokes memories of the Argentine legend.

Coaches at La Masia, Barcelona’s famed youth academy, admit that they haven’t seen a talent like this since Messi, with Yamal’s ability to decide matches drawing inevitable parallels.

Yamal is already a fan favourite

In a remarkably short time, Yamal has won the hearts of Barcelona fans. The club is committed to making him feel comfortable, valued, and central to their plans.

“We want him to feel comfortable, happy, important, and to be part of the main core of the project,” club insiders say.

Barcelona are aware that they can’t compete financially with other clubs offering astronomical contracts. Therefore, their strategy is to build a strong, winning team with Yamal at its heart.

Part of this plan includes potentially signing Nico Williams, a move aimed at ensuring Yamal’s happiness and boosting the team’s attacking prowess. In all, the club is determined to provide Yamal with everything he needs to succeed.

Credit where due

Making such an impact at just 16 years old is extraordinary, but Yamal has done it. He is a special talent, much like Messi was at the same age.

Interestingly, former coach Xavi has been instrumental in nurturing Yamal, guiding him through his rapid development over the past few months. From the beginning, Xavi has supported and praised Yamal, recognizing his potential to make history.

As the new season approaches, it will be up to Hansi Flick to continue Yamal’s development, although it’s hard to imagine Yamal not starting every weekend.

However, his age seems irrelevant at the moment given his maturity and impact on the field. “He is a difference-maker and decisive,” say those within Barcelona’s sporting department.

Yamal is set to be the cornerstone of a rejuvenated Barcelona, leading them into a new era of success. His journey is just beginning, but the excitement around his potential is palpable, and the club is eager to see him flourish as their new standard-bearer.

*Player valuation in title obtained from transfermarkt.com on date of publication