Barcelona to make Lamine Yamal decision when he turns 18
Barcelona have big plans for 16-year-old star Lamine Yamal.
Barcelona will make a stunning decision on Lamine Yamal when the starlet turns 18.
The 16-year-old phenom has shot to fame at Barca, having graduated from the club's legendary La Masia youth academy.
He made his debut for the club last season and has already played four games this campaign.
Yamal has continued to impress during the international break as he became Spain's youngest ever goalscorer.
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He scored in his national team's 7-1 destruction of Georgia last Friday.
Barca have big plans for the budding winger, with reports claiming they will hand him a bumper five-year deal when he turns 18 in 2025.
The Catalan giants are in discussions with Jorge Mendes as the superstar talent plans to commit his future to the club until 2030.
As a 'minor' in Spain, he can only sign a maximum three-year deal. But Barca will table a five-year contract when the player turns 18, which will be on July 13, 2025.
Yamal has wasted no time in making an impact as he starred in his side's 4-3 victory over Villarreal last month, registering two assists.
And Barca boss Xavi has 'big expectations' for Yamal as he showered the youngster with high praise.
"Of course I am surprised by what he does at his age, he's only just 16," he said.
"Everyone is - I am not an exception. He nearly always makes the best decision, which is what makes the difference in football."
Xavi added: "We have big expectations, even more so when you see what you see [on the pitch]. He is not starting games on a whim. He starts because we feel he can effect matches.
"Like I said, he nearly always makes the right decision, which is important, picking the best option. Two assists today, he's intelligent, mature. He's extraordinary."
Nasir Jabbar