Barcelona issue firm Lamine Yamal transfer statement
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has insisted that Lamine Yamal will not have his head turned by an offer from another European club, despite long-standing interest from Paris Saint-Germain.
The Ligue 1 giants lodged an unsuccessful offer worth a world-record €250 million for Yamal back in 2024, and rumoured interest continues to bubble away amid the Spain international’s sublime form at Camp Nou.
Yamal, who has scored nine goals and provided 10 assists in just 11 matches across all competitions so far this season, is now the most valuable player in world football and he remains a dream target for PSG.
However, the Spain superstar still has over five-and-a-half years remaining on his current contract with Hansi Flick’s side, having signed an extension in May, and Laporta is not concerned that he could be poached by a European rival.
Lamine Yamal transfer statement
During an in-depth interview with French publication L’Equipe ahead of Barcelona’s Champions League clash against PSG on Tuesday night, Laporta was asked whether he was worried that another club could tempt Yamal to leave Barcelona by offering a higher salary.
“No. We trust in our own strength. Barcelona pay their players well, and that has always been the case,” he replied.
“What matters is feeling comfortable at the club. Away from Barcelona, the atmosphere is very cold. Here, we are in a good place.
“It is a well-organised, multi-sport club with a strong structure and good management. The players appreciate that. Of course, we are not perfect, but everything can be improved, and we are doing good work.”
He added: “Lamine is a La Masia product. He feels the colours of Barcelona, he is grateful to the club, and he is a Culer. All of that makes the renewal process easier.
“We are extremely proud of him. He feels loved here, which is important for a player of his level. He is growing and maturing. He was 15 when he played his first match, and now he is 19. He is almost a veteran already.”
Yamal is among the favourites to win the Ballon d’Or later this month and Laporta was keen to heap praise on the teenager when asked what makes him stand out amongst his peers.
“Lamine knows how to do everything, and on top of that, he has a spectacular dimension to his game. He is a player who knows how to entertain the fans.
“Lamine is a genius! He has that magic inside him and that ability to amaze people. It is not just about the way he plays, but also his mentality.
“Lamine is entertainment. At the moment, it is impossible to imagine football without Lamine.”
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