Lamine Yamal, the 'soccer prodigy' (18), will sign a long-term contract extension with Barcelona.
European football transfer market expert Fabrizio Romano noted on the 27th (Korea Time) through his social media, "Yamal will sign a new contract with Barcelona tomorrow. It's all done!"
He added, "The deal will be finalized tomorrow until June 2031. Jorge Mendes, the agent, played a key role in finalizing the agreement with Barcelona. It's a six-year contract. This is another significant move for Barcelona's Deco director and president Laporta." The contract will begin in July, Yamal's 18th birthday.
The scale of the contract renewal is also unprecedented. Another journalist, Nicolo Schira, explained, "Yamal, the best young talent in Europe, will extend his contract with Barcelona until 2031. In his first season, he will receive a salary of 9 million euros (about 14 billion won) along with bonuses. The salary will increase annually and reach 18 million euros (about 28 billion won). Yamal is expected to wear the number 10 jersey starting in July."
Born in 2007, Yamal is one of the top prospects in Europe beyond Spain. He is a product of Barcelona's youth system and has shown talents comparable to Neymar and Ronaldinho since childhood. He made his La Liga debut at the age of 15 years, 9 months, and 16 days in April 2023.
Yamal has been a starter since last season. In 37 league matches, he recorded 5 goals and 5 assists, becoming both the future and present of Barcelona. Barcelona quickly re-signed him until 2026 and included a buyout clause worth 1 billion euros (1.56 trillion won).
Still a high school student, Yamal is also an indispensable player for the Spain national team. He consistently started in last year's Euro 2024, demonstrating his unique left-foot dribbling ability to weave through opponents' defenses. Notably, he scored a stunning left-footed goal in the semifinal against France, leading Spain to the final.
He also broke the record for the most consecutive goals in Euro history. Yamal scored at the age of 16 years and 362 days, etching his name in history. According to the football statistics agency Opta, no player has scored in major tournaments at a younger age. When the 'soccer emperor' Pelé scored his first World Cup goal, he was 17 years and 239 days old.
Yamal's remarkable growth has continued this season. He has now surpassed being a young talent and has entered the realm of world-class wingers. This season, he has achieved 18 goals and 21 assists in 55 official matches. In La Liga alone, he tallied 9 goals and 13 assists, becoming the league's assist king.
In particular, Yamal has made a significant impression worldwide by scoring 5 goals and providing 3 assists in 13 UEFA Champions League (UCL) matches. Although his team was eliminated after a grueling extra time battle, his performance against Inter Milan in the semifinals was astonishing.
Thanks to him, Barcelona has surpassed Real Madrid this season, winning La Liga, Copa del Rey, and Supercopa, achieving a 'domestic treble.' Some argue that Yamal deserves to win the Ballon d'Or. Although teammate Raphinha outscored him with 34 goals and 22 assists in 57 matches, many believe Yamal has a greater impact on games.
By signing Yamal to a long-term contract, Barcelona has secured both the present and future of the team. He is set to inherit the number 10 jersey that Lionel Messi wore starting next season. Ansu Fati, currently holding the number 10 jersey, is likely to transfer this summer. In fact, Yamal could have received the number 10 last season if he wanted, but he declined it for Fati.
[Photo] Lamine Yamal, Sport social media.
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