Barcelona director opens the door for two youngsters to become first-team members next season

Barcelona director Mateu Alemany has all but confirmed that record-breaking teenager Lamine Yamal will continue to be in the first-team dynamics in the next season.

Just 15 years old, Yamal made history when he made his senior debut for Barcelona coming on as a substitute against Real Betis on Saturday.

The youngster is held in the highest of regard by the club and are closing in on tying him down to a new three-year deal, which would be his first-ever professional contract, that he would sign after turning 16 in July.

And Alemany, ahead of the game against Osasuna, spoke about Yamal and his potential, stating that the 15-year-old will continue to be in the first-team setup next season as it will be the best way for him to learn and develop.

“Lamine Yamal will have the chance to work with the 1st team, it’s an opportunity to improve and develop faster. He deserves to be with the senior team as he has natural, incredible talent. We expect Lamine to keep working & being humble,” Alemany said (h/t Fabrizio Romano).

At the same time, Alemany also opened the doors for Ez Abde to become a part of Xavi’s team next season. The 21-year-old winger is on loan at Osasuna but is not part of the side against Barça tonight due to the presence of a fear clause.

Given the impression he has made, it has been suggested that Abde could find a place for himself in the Barcelona first team next season and Alemany echoed those sentiments, although insisted that the final word will be Xavi’s.

“Abde’s loan to Osasuna was a perfect choice, he has developed in a great way. He deserves a chance to return here at Barcelona — we will speak about that with Xavi,” Alemany said, as quoted by Fabrizio Romano.

It remains to be seen whether Abde will have a spot in the first-team setup at Barcelona, with his future likely to depend on how he fares in the pre-season and the kind of offers he might receive.