Lamine Yamal set to follow Lionel Messi's lead at Barcelona as agent Jorge Mendes pushes La Liga giants to value wonderkid fairly

According to Sport,Mendes has opened dialogues with the Blaugranas urging them to re-evaluate Yamal's current contract and update the financial terms of the deal per his meteoric rise and unprecedented achievements at the club and international level. His recent success, culminating in the 2024 Euro Cup win, marks a season of explosive growth and the player has emerged to become a central ambassador for the club’s brand.

Yamal's rising influence has led to inevitable comparisons with club legend Messi. It is noteworthy that the Argentine World Cup winner was awarded five contract renewals, each time with a better pay slip, when he was just 22. And it is not surprising that Mendes is pushing for a similar recognition for Yamal.

Yamal’s initial professional agreement, signed shortly after he turned 16, was for a three-year term, adhering to regulatory limits. Although Barcelona have already planned a follow-up contract extending to 2030, Mendes is still advocating for an early update to Yamal’s terms, reflecting his exceptional performance and growing market value.

Although a new contract was initially set to be negotiated closer to Yamal’s 18th birthday, the club recognizes the need to expedite this process in light of his impressive performances. However, this will force president Joan Laporta to make necessary financial readjustments elsewhere on the balance sheet as the club finds themselves in dire financial health.