In March, Barcelona’s president, Joan Laporta, announced that an unnamed club had offered €200m for 16-year-old Lamine Yamal, which was rejected. However, reports have now revealed that Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) is the mystery bidder and is willing to pay €250m to Barcelona for the young talent. PSG is searching for a successor to Kylian Mbappe and believes that Yamal has the potential to fill that role.
Although Barcelona needs money to continue operating due to financial difficulties, they have declared Yamal as ‘untouchable’ and will not sell him. The club has not been able to register striker Vitor Roque and new head coach Hansi Flick with La Liga due to financial constraints. Currently, Barcelona’s world transfer record is €222m, which PSG paid for Neymar in 2017.
Yamal has a release clause of €1bn in his contract, making him out of reach for PSG. However, he is reportedly happy at Barcelona and his agent Jorge Mendes is pleased with the club’s treatment of his client. Barcelona has integrated Yamal quickly into the first team and has a clear vision for his future development as a player.
Despite being only 16 years old, Yamal had an impressive 2023/24 season recording seven goals and ten assists in 50 games for Barcelona’s senior team. He also performed well at the international level with Spain during Euro 2024.
Barcelona may be reluctant to sell Yamal because they see him as one of their most promising young players with huge potential. The teenager may still have many years ahead of him at the club if he chooses to stay there.
On the other hand, PSG sees Yamal as an ideal addition to their squad as they search for a replacement for Kylian Mbappe who left the club on a free transfer last summer.
The race between these two clubs could be intense as both want to sign one of Europe’s most promising young talents. Ultimately it remains to be seen which club will win out in this battle but one thing is certain; Lamine Yamal will play a significant role in shaping the future of football in Europe.
