An advanced operation, with an economic agreement and sporting support, has fallen apart in an unprecedented way. The reason isn't on the other side, but within the Barça locker room itself.
The sporting management, led by Deco, had finalized almost every detail of an important reinforcement for the squad. The operation was considered strategic, both for the technical profile and the market opportunity. However, in the last 48 hours, everything has come to a halt... and the culprit has a name.
Deco | @FCBarcelona_es
Lamine doesn't want him on his wing
Lamine Yamal has expressed his disagreement with the arrival of the footballer, questioning his fit on the right wing. Although it hasn't been a public or direct opposition, his message to the club has been clear: he prefers a different type of teammate for his flank. This gesture has weighed more than anyone imagined.
Hansi Flick had approved the signing, thinking about giving the starting eleven more options and solutions in rotation. However, after learning the young winger's stance, he decided not to force a strained coexistence. He believes that the harmony of the locker room is a priority, especially when it comes to his rising star.
Lamine Yamal during a training session | @FCBarcelona
Lamine believes he needs a more defensive partner, one who doesn't limit his freedom with the ball. His inner circle reportedly suggested options like Héctor Fort or even Jules Koundé, both more compatible with his style. This preference has completely changed the technical management's roadmap.
The player in question already had a date set to travel to Barcelona and undergo a medical examination. There was even a discreet presentation reserved, without much fanfare, as part of a plan focused on sporting matters. But at the last moment, Barça decided to ease off the accelerator.
Héctor Fort | @FCBarcelona
From sealed signing to definitive exit
This pause caused discomfort in the player's camp, who didn't expect doubts so close to the end. His response was immediate: he began listening to other offers coming from outside Spain. Meanwhile, one of them convinced him both for the sporting project and for the total commitment to his role.
In the last few hours, his signing by a European giant, a direct rival of FC Barcelona, has become official. The player has signed until 2030 and has been presented as a key piece of his new team. From the Catalan capital, the feeling is one of a missed opportunity, with a certain bitterness over how it was handled.
Koundé and Lamine Yamal | @FCBarcelona
No one at the club points directly to Lamine, but several internal sources acknowledge that his veto carried significant weight. His growing influence is starting to shape some key decisions in the model, both in signings and tactical structure. The board considers it inevitable given his status, but also risky.
Some sectors of the locker room have already expressed their surprise at this dynamic, which prioritizes the comfort of one player. Although no one disputes Lamine's talent, several veterans believe he shouldn't have so much power so soon. Flick knows this and for now is handling it tactfully, but with certain reservations.
The player who has chosen Real Madrid over Barça is none other than Alejandro Grimaldo. The left-back, formerly of La Masia, returns to Spain, but does so to wear white. All because he didn't fit the preferences of a 17-year-old star who already decides more than it seems.
