Barcelona reach FULL AGREEMENT for signing - Romano

Stuart Telford

• 13 Jul 2023 14:10 BST
• 3 min read

Barcelona have agreed terms on a new long-term deal for academy graduate Lamine Yamal, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Yamal became Barca's youngest ever first-team debutant when he took to the field for April's 4-0 win over Real Betis at the tender age of 15 years, nine months and 17 days, and the clamour around him has grown exponentially since.

With Barcelona told by La Liga that they would have to reduce their debt by €200 million this summer if they wanted to defend their title next season, there was speculation that they would be unable to offer Yamal professional terms.

READ: Who is Lamine Yamal? Barcelona's prodigy drawing comparisons with Messi and Iniesta

But those fears look to have been allayed, with transfer specialist Romano tweeting that a fresh deal for the young winger is on the cards.

Romano: 'full agreement'

"Understand Barcelona have reached full agreement with Lamine Yamal to sign new long term deal," he wrote. "The agreement will be valid until June 2026, three years as it's the only chance for Lamine who turns 16 today. Agreement in place between Barca and Jorge Mendes."

A left-footed right winger, comparisons with Barcelona club legend Lionel Messi are almost inevitable for Yamal, but he has thus far taken his progression to the first-team squad at Barca in his stride.

READ: Messi says he is 'happy' he rejected Barcelona for Inter Miami

Yamal's talent is a double boon for Barca, as it allows them to cash in on another winger this summer, with Ousmane Dembele, Raphinha, Ferran Torres and Ansu Fati making it five players into two positions, otherwise.

Dembele is one of the few players unavailable for transfer this summer, but any of the other three could be cashed in on with Yamal picking up the slack.

Barca have made a handful of signings this summer, picking up Ilkay Gundogan and Inigo Martinez on free transfers from Manchester City and Athletic Bilbao respectively, while Vitor Roque will join in January in a €40m transfer from Athletico Paranaense.