Barcelona sporting director Deco told ESPN he believes Lamine Yamal will extend his contract and make history with the club as part of their exciting youth movement.
Yamal, whose current deal runs until 2026, is expected to sign new terms when he turns 18 in July. The teenage sensation has emerged as one of world soccer\'s elite players this season, helping Barcelona capture both the Spanish Supercopa and Copa del Rey.
The 17-year-old forms the core of a young Barcelona squad alongside Pau Cubarsí, Alejandro Balde and Pedri. Following Sunday\'s Clásico victory over Real Madrid, the team needs just two points from their final three matches to secure the LaLiga title.
\"A player has to be happy where they are, but I can\'t see a better place for Lamine to be,\" Deco explained to ESPN regarding Yamal\'s contract situation. \"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.\"
Transfer Plans Focus on Wing Depth
Yamal has recorded 16 goals and 24 assists across all competitions, forming a potent attacking trio with Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski that has produced 167 goals in 57 matches this season.
While Deco doesn\'t anticipate significant transfer activity this summer, he acknowledged the need for additional depth behind Yamal and Raphinha on the wings.
\"Suddenly we feel quite dependent on Raphinha and Lamine. Maybe we need similar players, a solution for them [when they\'re not available],\" the sporting director said. \"But the squad is quite balanced and we have a lot of good players coming through the youth teams as well.\"
Barcelona could clinch the league title as early as Wednesday if Real Madrid falters against Mallorca, or by defeating city rivals Espanyol on Thursday. Securing LaLiga would complete a domestic treble for Barcelona, who also reached their first Champions League semifinal since 2019, narrowly losing to Inter Milan 7-6 on aggregate.