Ex-Barcelona boss Xavi prevented Lamine Yamal from joining Paris Saint-Germain at age 15 with one promise: Reports

Former Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez reportedly prevented Lamine Yamal from joining Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) as a 15-year-old. However, he had to convince the youngster to stay at the Camp Nou by making him a promise.

Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo (via Daily Mail) revealed that PSG made an offer to a young Lamine Yamal back in 2023. The terms of the Parisians' contract offer are unknown, but it was up to Xavi to keep the teenage prodigy in Catalonia, and he did.

The report claims that the manager promised Yamal a first-team debut if he stayed at Barcelona. It is worth noting that the winger played for the Blaugrana first team in April 2023, when he was still 15. He came on as a substitute in their 4-0 La Liga win over Real Betis on April 29 last year.

It seems all worked out well for both parties, as Yamal got his debut and put pen to paper to sign a contract with Barca. It didn't work out so well for PSG, who were unable to convince the youngster on a switch to the French capital.

Yamal has since become one of the most exciting youngsters in the world of football, winning the Kopa Trophy at the 2024 Ballon d'Or ceremony on October 28. This season, he has been a big factor in Barcelona's presence at the top of La Liga, with an impressive five goals and six assists in 11 league games.

After breaking into the first team at Barca, he also broke into the Spain national team, where he helped them win Euro 2024. Yamal also became the youngest-ever player to score in the competition.

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Rivaldo full of praise for Lamine Yamal, compares him to Barcelona legend

Brazilian legend Rivaldo has shared words of praise about Lamine Yamal, comparing the young prodigy to Barcelona legend Lionel Messi. The 17-year-old winger looks to be on the path to win the Ballon d'Or in the future like the Argentine playmaker did eight times.

Speaking about Yamal, Rivaldo said to Marca (via GOAL):

“It’s impressive, he’s still a 17-year-old kid and he’s already doing very good things. I don’t know if he’s going to be a Messi, it’s a very difficult comparison because of everything the Argentinian did at the club.

"Lamine has everything to be the best in the world and win many titles with Barcelona. I like him a lot, he plays with joy and enjoys football. And he makes the fans enjoy it.”

Indeed, Lamine Yamal could turn out to be the next Lionel Messi at Barca, but time will tell if the teenager is capable of carrying that heavy mantle.