Lamine Yamal continues to establish himself as the great reference for Barcelona's future. The young winger has been a protagonist not only for his performance on the field but also for a gesture that has ultimately determined the immediate future of another youth player. One who was once considered the great hope for Barça, the change of jersey numbers is just another sign of how times are changing at Barça.
Barcelona has already made a firm decision regarding Ansu Fati, the young Andalusian who wore the iconic number 10, inherited from Lionel Messi. Ansu is left without a number in the squad for the upcoming season. That number is a symbol of leadership and prominence, now it will be for Lamine Yamal, who at 17 years old becomes the new visible face of the blaugrana project.
The gesture is not minor; in soccer, jersey numbers carry significant symbolic weight, and Barça's decision to give the number 10 to Lamine Yamal makes everything clear. Barça has decided that Ansu Fati is out of the project, it is no longer just a sporting decision but also an institutional one. The club considers that the Sevillian's cycle has ended and that it is time to look elsewhere.
Ansu Fati, sentenced by his past and his salary
Ansu Fati has been a victim of his own expectations. Injuries have hindered his development, and after his unsuccessful loan at Brighton, he has not managed to convince the technical staff led by Flick. Barça considers it is time to turn the page and make way for new leadership in the attack, led by Lamine Yamal.
Additionally, his salary is a major problem. Ansu Fati earns 7.5 million euros net per season, an unaffordable figure for a player who is not in the team's main plans. In a context of Financial Fair Play restrictions, freeing up that salary is an absolute priority for the sports management.
Lamine is the new 10
The club is already working on his departure, Laporta and Deco are looking for a loan with a purchase option or even a direct sale, although they know it will not be easy to find a destination. The intention is for Ansu Fati not to be part of the 2025/2026 squad, and the change of jersey number only confirms that intention. Now it is up to Jorge Mendes to find a place for the Andalusian player so he can be happy again.
At just 17 years old, Lamine Yamal officially becomes Barcelona's new "10", a gesture that confirms the club's total trust in his talent and maturity. The youth player has amply shown that he is ready to lead the team, both in LaLiga and in Europe. His performance has been key this season, with decisive goals, fantastic assists, and a special connection with the fans.
Barça finds in him a figure that excites and, above all, represents the new culé generation, the number 10 already has a new owner. And with that simple gesture, the Catalan club has sent a strong message: the future is called Lamine Yamal, and there is no room for nostalgia or unfulfilled promises.