At FC Barcelona everything seemed to be heading toward a smooth renewal. The relationship between the club and the great promise of its youth academy remained positive. However, recent conversations have revealed a more complex scenario than expected.
The player's entourage has already conveyed his conditions for renewal. Although his desire to stay at Camp Nou remains intact, sealing the agreement won't be easy. The demands have surprised more than one in the club's offices.
Lamine Yamal in a match with Barça | @FCBarcelona
Barça wants to secure him long-term
The board's objective is clear: secure the continuity of the most exciting talent La Masia has produced in years. With a contract until 2026, the club wants to extend the bond for six more years. The key date is July 13, when the player will reach the age of majority and can sign as a professional.
Joan Laporta and Deco already have the contract ready. They want to tie him down until 2031 and make him the face of the project. But what seemed like a formality has become more complicated than desired.
Lamine Yamal in a match with Barça | @FCBarcelona
Represented by Jorge Mendes, the young talent isn't willing to sign such a long contract without conditions. He prefers a shorter bond that allows him to renegotiate a salary increase in two or three years. He believes his progression can take him to much higher levels.
At Barça they don't share that vision. From the sports management they bet on a prolonged commitment that provides stability to the project. Here arises the first major point of friction in the negotiations.
Lamine Yamal in a match with Barça | @FCBarcelona
Sporting and economic demands on the table
It's not just a matter of duration. He has also requested to climb positions within the team's salary structure. He wants to become, progressively, one of the highest-paid in the squad.
Additionally, he has raised specific sporting conditions. He has requested the continuity of key teammates, like Héctor Fort. He has also suggested names in the market, like Julián Álvarez, to keep a competitive team.
Lamine and his change of look in the last training session | @FCBarcelona
The message he has conveyed to Joan Laporta is clear: he wants to stay, but with conditions. He isn't satisfied with symbolic recognition. He demands a solid sporting plan and guarantees of prominence.
That implies signings, tactical stability, and absolute trust. From the club, they acknowledge that some of his demands are justified. He has performed at the highest level despite his youth.
Lamine Yamal in a match with Barça | @FCBarcelona
The economic situation complicates everything
However, they also admit that the economic leeway remains very limited. Barça continues to be bound by financial fair play compliance. This limits both renewals and signings.
Retaining the young talent is a total priority. But doing so without compromising financial balance won't be easy. For now, the renewal isn't closed.
The parties are in contact, but differences persist. Each week that passes without an agreement adds pressure on Laporta, who wants to avoid any risk of departure or discontent in the player's entourage.
Lamine Yamal in a match with Barça | @FCBarcelona
The protagonist of this negotiation is Lamine Yamal. At just 17 years old, he has already won two Leagues, a Copa del Rey, and a European Championship. His emergence has been dazzling, and his projection, incalculable.
In his entourage, they know that he has the world at his feet. But they also want Barça to be up to the task. If it isn't, they won't hesitate to explore other options later on.
Lamine Yamal is the present and future of FC Barcelona. Retaining him isn't an option: it's an obligation. But his renewal won't be a formality.
He demands economic conditions, prominence, and high-level reinforcements. Laporta will have to act with firmness, intelligence, and speed. Losing Lamine, even symbolically, would be a devastating blow.
