Lamine Yamal’s rapid rise to football stardom is undeniable, but Barcelona is taking steps to avoid repeating past mistakes with his financial contract, according to reports from Spain.
At just 17 years old, Yamal has already cemented his status as one of the top wingers in world football, surpassing his goal and assist tally from last season halfway through the current campaign. His dazzling skills and performances have fueled speculation about a contract renewal, with the teenager confirming his intention to extend his stay, as his current deal expires in 2026.
However, Barcelona is reportedly planning to impose a salary cap on any potential offer for Yamal. A club source told AS:
“You cannot give €15m net to a 17-year-old because at 23 he can ask for double that.”
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Despite being one of the club’s standout players, Yamal is still one of Barcelona’s lowest earners, reportedly making €1.7m per year after signing his current deal in October 2023, which was agreed after just ten first-team appearances. In comparison, Barcelona’s top earners, such as Robert Lewandowski (€33m per year), Frenkie de Jong, Ansu Fati, and Jules Kounde, earn between €15m and €20m annually.
While Barcelona recognizes that Yamal will likely become one of their highest-paid players in the future, they are cautious, having learned from their experience with Lionel Messi. Messi and his father, Jorge, regularly pushed for contract renewals, which eventually contributed to the club’s inability to afford his final contract in 2021, resulting in his emotional departure.
This season, Barcelona has had to seek government assistance to accommodate player salaries, including Dani Olmo’s. To avoid a similar fate with Yamal, Barcelona has already rejected nine-figure offers for their star forward, determined to prevent a repeat of the Messi saga.
