Lamine Yamal Set For New Lucrative Deal To Stay at FC Barcelona

Laporta spoke with TV3 about the plans the club has for their players this summer, including the contract extension of Lamine Yamal. 

Joan Laporta: "The Lamine [Yamal] issue has been discussed, but the signature is still missing. I can't say it's done if it isn't done. However, the issue is being worked on. We are delighted with him. Deco [club sporting director] is working on his signature."

The president then mentions that the contract negotiations will favor Yamal due to his performance this season. The 17-year-old is viewed as one of the most influential players in the squad.

Joan Laporta: "A player's contract must always correspond to the player's importance to the team, regardless of his age. Barça is the best team for Lamine Yamal. He's Catalan and a Barça fan to the core. He's destined to be the best player in the world."

Lamine Yamal set to be Barca's new number 10?

While FC Barcelona fans see Yamal as the future of the club, there is a divided opinion towards awarding him a number that is held in the highest regard. With greats like Lionel Messi wearing it in the past, the number 10 shirt could be given to Yamal next season.

Memorabilia1899 reported earlier today that Lamine Yamal will wear the number 10 Barcelona jersey next season. The current number belongs to Ansu Fati, whose future at the club is uncertain.

His contract extension seems set to happen after Yamal turns 18 on July 13. Some fans believe it's too soon to reward Yamal with an important number at such a young age, while others think he is ready, as he has demonstrated to step up on big occasions.

Laporta spoke about the rumors of Yamal wearing the number 10 at Barca next season, but gave no hints if the young player would wear it.

Laporta on Ansu Fati

The current number 10 of FC Barcelona, Ansu Fati, is still a big question mark for fans of the team. His future at the club is uncertain, and if Lamine Yamal takes the number 10 off him, many can assume his time in the team is up.

Laporta spoke about Fati and mentioned his thoughts on the player in the locker room. 

Joan Laporta: "We want him to play. He is loved in the dressing room, especially from players who were part of La Masia like him. But he needs to play. Let's see if there is a solution that works best for him and/or Barca."

Ansu Fati has only played 11 matches across all competitions this season under Hansi Flick. He has no goals or assists this season, but fans have been wanting him to be given more opportunities to play. Fati's contract expires in late June 2027.