How Xavi 'prevented' Lamine Yamal from joining PSG prior to signing new Barcelona contract with €1bn release clause

The Barcelona sensation made his debut in April 2023 at the age of just 15 years and nine months against Real Betis in La Liga. He was one of the most promising talents that came out of the club's much-famed La Masia and had attracted interest from Ligue 1 giants PSG even before he made a senior appearance for the Blaugrana and had signed a professional contract.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Xavi had spoken to the youngster personally and convinced him to stay at the club and in return he was handed his senior debut. Yamal eventually penned his first senior professional contract in October 2023 which guaranteed his stay at the club at least until the summer of 2026. A record-breaking €1 billion (£866m/$1bn) release clause was also included in his deal.

The teenager had a dream outing in the 2023-24 campaign for club and country. After displaying stellar performances for the Catalan giants, he played a key role in Spain winning their second European Championship this year. At the Ballon d'Or ceremony in Paris earlier this week he was awarded the 2024 Kopa Trophy.

The winger will be next seen in action on Sunday as Hansi Flick's side take on Espanyol in an important La Liga fixture at home.