The main topic these days in FC Barcelona's offices has to do with Lamine Yamal. The forward is on every front page and sports talk show because of the key agreement with the club that keeps all the fans on edge.
Lamine Yamal will turn 18 in July and wants to renew with the team of his life, but not at any price or under any condition. Meanwhile, Joan Laporta has also made it clear that the footballer's preferences must be properly secured.
Lamine Yamal's salary, a headache for Joan Laporta
Fortunately, both parties agree to stay together. FC Barcelona and Lamine Yamal want to walk hand in hand for many years, and that agreement depends on the approval of President Joan Laporta. The executive stated that "the agreement has been discussed and is on track, but the signature is missing and I can't say it's done."
However, Joan Laporta is aware of the complications he is having in renewing Lamine Yamal. The club is still going through a delicate financial situation and it was said that "19" would sign the best contract on the squad.
Joan Laporta has already explained that Lamine Yamal's salary won't come close to the highest paid. Lewandowski or Frenkie de Jong earn more than €20M per season, which is what the winger wanted, but those contracts won't be signed again at Barça.
Lamine Yamal will have to adapt to the club's situation and from the blaugrana fanbase, they think the Rocafonda native will give in. President Joan Laporta has already said he won't allow salaries as high as in the past. Lamine Yamal will be placed well above teammates like Gavi, Pedri, or Raphinha, who just renewed, and could earn up to €15M ($16.3M) at most.
Let's remember that Joan Laporta and Deco are already preparing for next season. Both are updating the list of players to be released and desired based on sporting and financial criteria. However, they have stated that they will give more importance to keeping those who work and leaving contract renewals settled.
Many players have already signed a contract extension with FC Barcelona, but the most desired was Lamine Yamal's signature. It is being a not very pleasant surprise in Can Barça not to have it closed yet. It was and still is a goal for the board, but they expected the player would also ask for his corresponding share because of his influence.