Lamine Yamal to get the Lionel Messi treatment at Barcelona as Joan Laporta reveals structure of star winger's incredible new contract

Barcelona president Laporta has provided positive news to all the fans concerning the future of teenage superstar Yamal, confirming that renewal talks with the player are progressing well. The 17-year-old Ballon d'Or contender currently has a contract until 2026, but it is expected that he will shortly sign a long-term extension with the Catalans.

Yamal made his debut for the first team towards the end of the 2022-23 season, before carving out a place in Xavi's team. He had a breakthrough season, followed by a sensational individual and collective Euro 2024 campaign with Spain, who lifted the trophy. This season, he has been simply unstoppable under the tutelage of Hansi Flick, accumulating over 40 direct goal contributions. Yamal, at 17, has become a cornerstone of this rampant Barcelona team, who could very well mark an era in a team that consists of Pedri, Pau Cubarsi, Raphinha, Fermin Lopez, Alejandro Balde, and more.

Speaking in an interview with TV3 (h/t Mundo Deportivo), Laporta said: “We’re working on this signing. It will go well. He’s a special player and feels at home at Barca. The transfer fee has to match the player’s value to the team, no matter how young he is. A talent like Lamine, who has exploded the way he has, has to be treated in a special way. We want him here for many years. So far, there have been no issues with his team. Everything is positive, and we believe it will end well. With [Lionel] Messi, we structured his bonuses so he remained highly motivated, and we won everything. In Lamine’s case, the emotional aspect is key, as we have to make him feel important and valued. Barca is the best club he can be at. He’s Catalan, a Barca fan… he identifies with them and is well advised."

Yamal will next be seen in action on Sunday, May 25, against Athletic Club, before joining the Spanish national team for the Nations League semi-finals against France in June.