LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) Lamine Yamal is now valued at €1 billion (£866m/$1bn) at the age of just 16, thanks to the inclusion of a colossal release clause in his new contract with Barcelona.
The exceptionally talented teenager, who has been setting records both at Camp Nou and with the Spain national team, has committed to an extended deal with the club that runs until 2026.
Barcelona has taken measures to ensure that they can maximize the benefits of Yamal’s immense potential.
Barcelona officially stated on their website, “Lamine Yamal has rapidly risen through the ranks of our youth system and is considered one of the brightest talents to emerge from La Masia in recent years.
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“He made his league debut at just 15 years, 9 months, and 16 days old, making him the youngest player ever to feature in a competitive match for the team, against Betis on April 29, 2023.
“Under Xavi Hernandez’s guidance, he has progressively played a more significant role, and during the preseason tour, he became the youngest player to start for FC Barcelona in a match against Cadiz this season.
“In addition, he became the second youngest player ever to appear in the competition in a game against Royal Antwerp.
“Remarkably, despite his youth, he has already earned his first cap for the Spanish national team, becoming not only the youngest player to represent ‘La Roja’ but also the youngest goalscorer in a game against Georgia.”
Yamal’s journey aligns with the prestigious tradition of La Masia academy graduates, joining the ranks of legends such as Lionel Messi, Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Sergio Busquets, Carles Puyol, and Pep Guardiola.
Barcelona has become known for securing promising talents with substantial release clauses, a strategy adopted after experiencing the repercussions of Paris Saint-Germain triggering Neymar’s €222 million (£192m/$234m) release clause in 2017.
Similar terms have been negotiated with other rising stars like Ansu Fati, Pedri, and Gavi.
