Barcelona's sporting director Deco has made it clear that teenage sensation Lamine Yamal is not for sale at any price, emphasizing the club's commitment to retaining their prized asset for the long term.
The 17-year-old prodigy, who has already claimed both the Kopa Trophy and Golden Boy award as Europe's premier under-21 player, continues to demonstrate why he's considered one of football's most exciting prospects. "There are key players, and he is one," Deco told TV3, adding emphatically, "There is no discussion, there is no price. There have been no offers because we didn't even want to talk about it."
This stance follows Barcelona president Joan Laporta's October revelation that the club had rejected a staggering €250 million ($270m) offer for Yamal following his contribution to Spain's Euro 2024 victory. Since making his first-team debut as a 15-year-old in 2023, Yamal has established himself as a regular performer for both club and country.
Deco expressed confidence in Yamal's long-term future at the club, drawing parallels with other young talents: "He will surely be at Barça for many years, like Pedri and Gavi... They will all remain here. The club must do its homework, and he will be here for many years."
While Barcelona's midfield duo Gavi, 20, and Pedri, 22, have already secured their futures with contracts until 2030, Yamal's current deal runs until June 2026 - the maximum length permitted for minors. The Spanish winger has already declared his intention to sign a new contract with what he calls "the club of my life," with expectations of finalizing a deal through 2030 when he turns 18 on July 13.
The young star's potential has caught the attention of football's elite, with five-time Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo predicting Yamal will emerge as "the best player of this new generation." Deco, who has played alongside both Ronaldo for Portugal and Lionel Messi at Barcelona, acknowledges Yamal's exceptional qualities: "Yamal is one of the special ones. Not only does he have talent. He also has a different mental capacity."
Yamal's impact this season has been substantial, with an impressive record of 11 goals and 14 assists in 31 appearances for Barcelona, further justifying the club's steadfast position on his future.
