Barcelona president Joan Laporta said before Tuesday's Champions League clash against PSG that he was not worried another European club could tempt Lamine Yamal to leave Barcelona with a higher salary. Yamal signed an extension in May.
Laporta's response on Yamal's future
Asked in an in-depth interview with L’Equipe whether he was worried that another club could tempt Yamal to leave by offering a higher salary, Laporta said: "No. We trust in our own strength. Barcelona pay their players well, and that has always been the case."
He added: "What matters is feeling comfortable at the club. Away from Barcelona, the atmosphere is very cold. Here, we are in a good place."
Laporta also said: "It is a well-organised, multi-sport club with a strong structure and good management. The players appreciate that. Of course, we are not perfect, but everything can be improved, and we are doing good work."
Renewal and club ties
Laporta said: "Lamine is a La Masia product. He feels the colours of Barcelona, he is grateful to the club, and he is a Culer. All of that makes the renewal process easier."
He also said: "We are extremely proud of him. He feels loved here, which is important for a player of his level. He is growing and maturing. He was 15 when he played his first match, and now he is 19."
FootballTransfers reported that Yamal still has over five-and-a-half years remaining on his current contract with Barcelona.
Yamal's season numbers
Yamal has scored nine goals and provided 10 assists in 11 matches across all competitions so far this season.
FootballTransfers reported that Yamal is now the most valuable player in world football.
Reported interest
FootballTransfers reported that Paris Saint-Germain lodged an unsuccessful offer worth a world-record €250 million for Yamal in 2024. The report says rumoured interest from Paris Saint-Germain in Yamal continues.
Laporta on what sets Yamal apart
Laporta said: "Lamine knows how to do everything, and on top of that, he has a spectacular dimension to his game. He is a player who knows how to entertain the fans."
He added: "Lamine is a genius! He has that magic inside him and that ability to amaze people. It is not just about the way he plays, but also his mentality."
Laporta said: "Lamine is entertainment. At the moment, it is impossible to imagine football without Lamine."