While many youngsters come to prove their worth at FC Barcelona, only a select chosen few manage to survive the onslaughts of pressure and expectations that come when representing such a club.
The players that end up managing these expectations often go on to showcase their talent to the rest of the footballing world.
Two such youngsters, both from the La Masia academy, are 19-year-old fullback Alejandro Balde and 16-year-old forward Lamine Yamal. Having taken the European scene by storm courtesy of their displays for Barcelona, both the academy talents are unquestionably important pieces of Barca’s future.
However, this has also alerted other top European clubs of their talents as they would undoubtedly look to poach these two exceptional talents if presented the opportunity. As a result, Barcelona has managed to tie both stars down to new contracts.
According to Spanish journalist Gerard Romero, the renewals of both Lamine Yamal and Alejandro Balde are expected to be signed on the coming Friday. The official announcement and set up would subsequently be at work and be made in time.
Originally, the contract of Lamine Yamal was set to expire in the upcoming summer of 2024, but Barcelona have already managed to tie him down according to several reports, with several stating that his new renewal will see him extend until 2026 with FC Barcelona.
On the other hand, 19-year-old Alejandro Balde extends his stay at Barcelona for an even longer period. Reported to be extending with FC Barcelona until 2028, the electric fullback looks set to protect and attack that left flank of the field for the Catalans for years to come.
According to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, both new contracts were originally signed and sealed between the club and the players even before Barcelona departed for their preseason tour of the United States of America.
