Lamine Yamal set for new contract as Barcelona shun €200m transfer

Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal is set to sign a new five-year contract with the Spanish giant this summer despite the La Liga side’s ongoing financial issues.

Undoubtedly the brightest youngster in world football, Yamal has continued to impress for club and country. However, the 17-year-old’s contract expires in 2026 due to his inability to sign a longer deal until his 18th birthday in July.

Barcelona’s financial situation have seen clubs like Manchester City and PSG try to convince Yamal’s camp.

Latest report from Duncan Castles has now indicated that Yamal will be putting pen to a new contract in the summer.

Lamine Yamal reacts during the Copa del Rey semifinal match between Atletico de Madrid and FC Barcelona. (Photo by Alvaro Medranda/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)

Castles told The Transfers Podcast: “The guidance I have is that Yamal will sign for Barcelona.”

“The new contract is essentially agreed in all parts, which has actually seen Yamal talk about hoping he would sign the contract soon.

“The block has been that he doesn’t turn 18 until July. Once he turns 18, he can sign a five-year contract. Barca are waiting until the second accounting date with UEFA before formalising a deal that has already been there to announce his stay with the club.

“I think Barcelona have no choice in this, and that’s where Yamal has been in a strong position, even though he’s talked about wanting to stay there. You can’t afford to lose a player of that level. You have to do whatever is required.”

Barcelona’s delay in registering Yamal’s new contract until UEFA’s secondary window is part of their efforts to creatively avoid any further financial issues after years of turmoil with La Liga.

Castles revealed that Barcelona’s situation was so troubled last summer that they had offered European sides a chance to sign Yamal for €200m if their financial issued worsened.

While Barca are confident they will avoid any issues with Yamal’s renewal, they may be forced to ‘market’ a number of squad players to meet La Liga’s salary requirements for next season.