Barcelona accelerating the contract renewal of 15-year-old La Masia gem
Barcelona have stepped up their efforts to renew the contract of La Masia prodigy Lamine Yamal as they wish to tie him down to a new long-term deal, claims Mundo Deportivo.
The teenage forward is widely regarded as one of the best young players coming through the ranks at the Barcelona academy. Despite being just 15 years old, Yamal has become a regular for the club’s Juvenil A outfit.
At the same time, Yamal has been called up to first-team training by manager Xavi Hernandez on several occasions already.
The Barcelona legend and his coaching staff rate the 15-year-old prospect very highly and see a bright future for him with the senior team.
In fact, past reports have suggested that Xavi plans to call Yamal up to pre-season training with the first-team setup later this year.
However, before that, Barcelona must tie Yamal down to a new contract. The teenage prodigy will turn 16 in July, at which point he will have to sign his first professional contract. Given his vast potential and high ceiling, top clubs from Europe have taken note of the situation.
And, Barcelona are thus working hard to secure Yamal’s future at the club. To that end, contacts have intensified with the youngster’s agent, Ivan de la Pena, who also represents first-team stars like Gavi and Eric Garcia.
A left-footed forward with great vision and dribbling skills, Yamal has played five games in the UEFA Youth League with Barça’s Juvenil A team this term.
The Blaugrana wish to renew him for at least three years with an improved wage and a release clause that reflects his quality and projection.
Barcelona recently tied down another talented La Masia prospect Angel Alarcon to a new contract until 2025. They are now hoping to do the same with Yamal and ensure that he remains at the club.
