Lamine Yamal has sparked intense debate during Barcelona contract negotiations by presenting two audacious demands.
Lamine Yamal, who is only 17 years old, has already become a worldwide football sensation after helping Barcelona win a domestic treble and helping Spain win Euro 2024.
The La Masia product signed an extension with the club that could keep him at the Camp Nou until 2031, but as the deals were finalized, Yamal’s camp made bold demands, which have lifted eyebrows among teammates and fans alike and could unsettle a squad currently run on the field by manager Hansi Flick.
As reported by Mundo Deportivo, Yamal asked if he could take free kicks and penalties for Barcelona next year, which are the responsibilities of the current penalty taker, Robert Lewandowski, and set-piece taker Raphinha.
It is unclear if Yamal is essentially asking for exclusive rights to free kicks and penalties or if he is simply asking to partake in these.
Either way, these demands may rub some of Yamal’s teammates the wrong way because the attackers may feel they have successfully executed those roles.
Yamal’s side feels they can make these requests because the 17-year-old is now a Ballon d’Or contender, but they have to be concerned since the young forward is still finding his way, and his teammates have an established hierarchy in the squad.
With the completion of a new contract that includes a release clause of €1 billion, Yamal is among the top earners in Barcelona with a potential maximum deal of €40 million per year if all performance incentives are reached.
This significant financial upgrade to Yamal’s previous contract, as well as his set-piece demands, shows where Yamal is establishing his authority, but will likely create stress with older and established players, like Lewandowski, who will be Barcelona’s primary penalty taker.
Flick’s ability to manage Yamal and the developing tension with veterans will be critical in determining if Yamal can balance his efforts to lead without making the veterans feel demoted.
Moving forward to the 2025-26 season, Yamal’s transition to the role of leader, on and off the pitch, will be vital for Barcelona to remain competitive in La Liga and beyond.
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