Journalist Tomas Andreu, via SPORT, has revealed that due to Lamine Yamal’s outstanding recent performances, his agent Jorge Mendes has requested Barcelona to revise the contract Yamal is set to sign next year, demanding a significantly higher salary.
At just 17 years of age, Yamal has broken several records not just at the club level, but also on the international stage. His early rise in football is unmatched, and his accomplishments indicate that he is a player destined to define an era.
Winning the Euro 2024 was the peak of an extraordinary season for him, showcasing his explosive impact at Barça and his first major title with the national team.
As a result of the recent events, the young Barça forward is advancing at a remarkable pace. The physical and athletic growth he has shown over the past season has been astounding.
Yamal is becoming a brand
Yamal has slowly emerged as the best representative for the Barça brand. His popularity is skyrocketing, as evidenced by the reaction of fans on the first day the 2024-25 season jerseys went on sale.
Amidst all this, however, this fame comes with its costs.
For several weeks now, Yamal’s agent has been informing Barça that it is both fair and necessary to adjust the player’s contract since he signed his first professional contract right after turning 16, in line with regulations allowing only a three-year deal.
Aware of his potential, Barça had already agreed to a salary significantly higher than usual for a ‘first professional contract’ and set a release clause of €1,000 million to deter any clubs from trying to lure him away.
A few months later, it is evident that Yamal’s performance is that of a star player, yet his salary does not match the highest-paid players in the current Barça squad.
Details of his current contract
It is said that the player’s initial contract included a private agreement that outlined a second contract valid until 2030, which would significantly increase his salary. This plan, however, has been overtaken by his rapid development over just a few months.
Mendes now wants to expedite the process, ensuring that the forward’s salary reflects his performance and value.
Barça’s president, Joan Laporta, is aware of this and has committed to making an economic effort to satisfy all parties involved.
Although a specific negotiation timeline has not been established, it is clear that the club will not wait for the private agreement to take effect when Lamine turns 18. Instead, they plan to update the young star’s salary much sooner.
