FC Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal is close to signing a contract extension until June 2031, according to renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
In a move that reinforces its commitment to youth-driven excellence, FC Barcelona will finalise an unprecedented contract extension with 17-year-old talent Lamine Yamal on Tuesday, ensuring the Spaniard will remain at the club until June 2031.
The deal, which will officially come into effect on July 13, 2024 – Yamal’s 18th birthday – complies with FIFA regulations that prohibit underage players from signing professional contracts longer than three years.
The key to the deal was a decisive meeting between Barcelona and Yamal’s agent Jorge Mendes, who played a key role in finalising the terms. The new deal includes an improved salary structure and a substantial release clause, reaffirming Barcelona’s commitment to protecting its academy gem.
The six-year extension will keep him at Camp Nou until the age of 24. Yamal’s current contract, signed in 2023, included a normal release clause of €10m, but the new terms will see him skyrocket to €1bn. The teenager will earn a net annual salary of €15m, a stunning increase on his previous wages, placing him among Barcelona’s highest-paid players.
The deal includes performance-based bonuses linked to individual and team achievements, such as winning the Ballon d’Or, claiming the Champions League, or securing domestic titles.
The subtext of Yamal’s renewal involves Barcelona’s iconic No. 10 jersey, currently worn by Ansu Fati. With Fati expected to leave on loan or permanently this summer, club officials have discussed reserving the legendary number for Yamal as a symbolic sign of his growing influence. While no final decision has been made, the gesture is in line with Barcelona’s tradition of handing out numbers to homegrown stars, as seen in Lionel Messi and Fati himself.
Yamal’s extension represents a rare bright spot amid ongoing financial turmoil for Barcelona. The club, still struggling with La Liga’s strict Financial Fair Play regulations, has prioritized securing young stars such as Yamal, Gavi and Alejandro Balde over big-money signings.
17-year-old Lamine Yamal has become a regular starter for Barcelona and is widely regarded as a generational talent. His technical ability, vision and maturity beyond his years have made him a key figure in the club’s present and future.
