Barcelona keen to build club's future around €90 million-rated La Masia superstar - Reports

Barcelona are planning their long-term project with Lamine Yamal at the center, according to reports. The Blaugrana view the 16-year-old wunderkind as a key figure in the club's future.

Yamal has become one of Europe's hottest talents after his exceptional performances for Barcelona and the Spain national team at such a young age. The talented right-winger has cemented himself as a regular starter at Camp Nou. He registered 50 appearances in all competitions last season, scoring seven goals and providing 10 assists.

Yamal has been tremendous at the 2024 European Championships as well. His heroics in the semi-finals against France on July 9 helped Spain book a spot in the final as they won 2-1. He found the back of the net with an extraordinary finish to equalize for La Roja before Dani Olmo scored the match-winner.

Over the course of a year, Yamal has broken a host of records, including becoming the youngest player to score in the history of La Liga and the Euros. According to Relevo, Barcelona are well aware of the prodigy they have in their squad and have huge plans for him at the club.

La Masia trainers have even admitted that they've never witnessed a talent like Yamal since Lionel Messi, saying:

"We had never seen anything like it in youth football since Messi."

The outlet reports that the club's hierarchy are intent on keeping Yamal happy and have said:

"We want him to feel comfortable, happy, important and to be part of the main core of the project."

Yamal has earned 13 caps for Spain since his debut last September, scoring three goals and providing seven assists. At club level, his contract with Barca expires in 2026 and as per Transfermarkt, his market value is €90 million.

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"Even Messi was later" - Gary Lineker in awe of Barcelona superstar Lamine Yamal after Spain knockout France

Premier League icon Gary Lineker is in awe of Lamine Yamal and the talent he possesses at such a young age. The pundit has also drawn comparisons between the Spaniard and Lionel Messi.

Messi joined Barcelona's La Masia academy and made his debut for the club at 17. Lineker pointed out that Messi was older than Yamal when he made his debut. The latter has already scored in a semi-final for his national team at the Euros.

After Spain's 2-1 win over France, Lineker said:

"We don't want to get carried away but, boy oh boy, no one's ever done this stuff. Even Messi was later. I'm not saying he's going to be a Messi or Maradona, but he could be. To do what he's doing at this age, and he's so calm. His decision-making and the goal, no one's ever done that."

Yamal could face Messi in La Finalissima next year if Argentina win the Copa America and Spain win the Euros this year.