Lamine Yamal is on cloud nine. Everything that the 17-year-old touches seems to be turning to gold on a football field and the plaudits for him are increasing at a meteoric rate. The Spanish wonderkid had a sensational Euros, winning the ‘Young Player of the Tournament’ award.
It’s safe to say that the La Masia prodigy didn’t play like a young player in the tournament though. He was La Roja’s most productive attacking weapon and arguably the second most influential player in the team, after Rodri. In seven appearances at the competition, he scored once (a wondergoal against France) and also provided four assists.
As his on-field performances continue to amaze football fans around the world, his valuation is on a steep upward climb as well. As per Mundo Deportivo, Transfermarkt’s post-Euro valuations make Yamal the eighth-most expensive player in the world.
The Barcelona teenager’s current market valuation is €120m, making him the club’s most expensive player and also the youngest player to cross the nine-figure mark. Currently, only Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappe, Phil Foden, Bukayo Saka, Jamal Musiala, Florian Wirtz, and Rodri are ahead of him on the world stage.
Before the Euros, Lamine Yamal was valued at €90m, tied with Gavi. The injured midfielder continues to remain second in the Barcelona players list, with Pedri (€80m), Ronald Araujo (€70m), Frenkie de Jong (€70m) and Raphinha (€50m) following him.
If Yamal continues his exploits at a similar rate and if his game keeps getting better, Barcelona fans can expect to see this valuation skyrocket and it might not be long before he becomes the most expensive player in the world. However, let’s not count our chickens before they hatch.
Regardless of what the teenage sensation’s transfer valuation is, he isn’t going anywhere and Barcelona are unlikely to sanction a move for him, irrespective of the money any club offers. The club has already turned down a €200m offer for him, further indicating their stance.
Interestingly, Yamal’s attacking partner at the Euros, Nico Williams has seen his valuation increase from €60m to €70m. Barcelona are pushing to sign the player which would give the club yet another player whose stocks look set to keep going North. Let’s hope the club can wrap up this deal and give fans the joy of watching the duo light it up in a Blaugrana shirt for years to come.