Barcelona sporting director Deco believes Lamine Yamal will stay at the club and become a cornerstone of a new golden era.
Yamal’s current deal runs until 2026, but reports say that an extension is expected once he turns 18 this July.
After an incredible breakout season, YAMAL is quickly earning his place among the game’s elite talents.
Deco views the 17-year-old as central to a budding generation that includes Pedri, Alejandro Bucket, and Pau Cubersi – youngsters who could secure the LaLiga title within days.
“A player has to be happy where they are, but I can’t see a better place for Lamine to be,” Deco said. “The boy grew up here; he’s from here. This generation of players has the chance to make history.
“Putting myself in his shoes, I would want to be here, to be part of it. I don’t see any problem, especially as he has a contract [until 2026]. [The renewal] will end up happening.”
With 16 goals and 24 assists across all competitions, YAMAL has thrived alongside Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha in an attack that has delivered a staggering 167 goals in 57 games this campaign.
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And although major transfers are unlikely, Deco hinted that Barcelona may need to bolster their options out wide to support their star wingers.
“Suddenly we feel quite dependent on Raphinha and Lamine. Maybe we need similar players, a solution for them [when they’re not available]. But the squad is quite balanced and we have a lot of good players coming through the youth teams as well”, Deco Added.
“The idea at the start of the season, with the changes we made, was to compete,” he said. “The season has slightly exceeded expectations, because we have competed against a strong Real Madrid side and only because of fine margins are we not in the final of the Champions League.
“To get to the end of the season be competing for everything, that was the idea. And we have won the Spanish Supercopa and the Copa of the Rey already.”
Barca could wrap up the LaLiga title as early as Wednesday, if Real Madrid falter against Mallorca. Otherwise, victory in the derby against Espanyol on Thursday would confirm them as champions.
