Barcelona optimistic about renewing La Masia gem who made history amid widespread interest

Earlier today, Barcelona academy prospect Lamine Yamal made history as he became the youngest player ever to be called up to the first-team squad when Xavi named him on the roster for the Atletico Madrid clash.

Just 15 years of age, the prodigious forward is all the rage within the club, thanks to his innate abilities, exceptional talent, and unlimited potential.

Despite his young age, Yamal has been constantly called up to first-team training from the Juvenil A setup by Xavi. And having seen enough quality in the youngster, the Barcelona manager named him in the squad for the Atletico Madrid clash.

Following a historic achievement for Yamal, journalist Albert Roge has provided an update on the teenager’s contract situation at Barcelona.

Yamal will be turning 16 years old in July later this year, at which point he would become eligible to sign his first professional contract.

Sensing the opportunity, several top clubs across Europe have been trying to convince him to leave Barcelona and sign up with them.

However, the Blaugrana are optimistic about Yamal’s contract renewal as the young forward wants to continue at Barcelona. To that end, talks have already taken place with his new agent, Jorge Mendes, who is understood to have reassured the club of the 15-year-old’s continuity.

Barcelona already have a framework in place for Yamal and his development. The youngster will continue training with the first team and play for the Juvenil A setup when not called up to the squad by Xavi. It means that the 15-year-old will be bypassing the Barça Atletic team completely.

Earlier today, speaking of the teenage gem, Xavi said: “He is a player who can help us and has great talent. He is young, with character, and is strong in 1v1s. He’s a player who can shape an era with the team, he’s not afraid of being called up. He might help us.”

“I am very happy with what I saw in training from him, and that’s why I called him up. The idea that his contract is about to expire is not related to him being called up. When I look at Lamine, I see an enormous level of self-confidence.”

Further praising the wonderkid, he added: “Just as Pedri has Iniesta’s qualities, Lamine is different, too. He has things from several footballers and has an innate talent. I don’t find him resembling anyone in particular.”