It seems that the huge bundle of operations still pending at Barcelona is only getting bigger. While it is already proving to be difficult to close down other deals, Barça may have some new headaches to deal with. Unfortunately for Barcelona, time is not exactly on their side either.
While the race to sign Nico Williams continues to go on, with Barcelona potentially even having to agree to a loan to be able to afford him, other priorities are also there. This does not just include other potential signings, but also dealings with current players.
In that sense, no player is currently a bigger priority for Barcelona than 17-year-old Lamine Yamal. The young superstar has become the club’s most valuable player as well following his performances in the European Championship, a title he won with his country.
Now, however, his agent reportedly wants Barcelona to value him as per his sporting excellence. As it stands, according to SPORT, Jorge Mendes believes that Yamal’s contract is severely undervalued compared to some of the club’s highest earners considering the fact that he is the face of the club in a way, and also considering his surreal performances in the European Championship.
From both a marketing perspective and a sporting one, it is clear that Lamine Yamal is the future of FC Barcelona. However, Mendes wants to ensure that his contract reflects this and he wants Barça to make an economic effort if necessary to make sure that it happens.
Moreover, Barcelona president Joan Laporta reportedly agrees with Mendes on this. He has already stated his desire to do exactly that and make an economic effort to ensure that Yamal is valued correctly, as per the same report.
The relationship between Barça and Jorge Mendes remains strong, and that is key to making things go smoothly. A lot of other players at the Catalan club, and even abroad, have Mendes as their representative and it is thanks to his positive relationship with La Blaugrana that a lot of good has come to both parties.