FC Barcelona is currently facing a sensitive period in the locker room, with much of the unrest reportedly centered around 17-year-old rising star Lamine Yamal. While his immense talent is widely recognized and he’s seen as a crucial part of the club’s future plans, his situation has stirred up tensions among teammates, raising concerns within the club’s leadership.
As reported by El Nacional, Yamal is not yet one of the top earners at the club, largely due to his age—he turns 18 on July 13. For now, he remains under a provisional contract, and his official professional agreement—handled by agent Jorge Mendes—will activate once he reaches the required age.
Yamal currently earns around €3 million per year, which is relatively low compared to senior players. However, sources close to the club’s sporting leadership, including Deco and president Joan Laporta, indicate that a new five-year deal has been finalized. This agreement would significantly boost his salary, placing him among the highest-paid players at Barcelona.
Journalist Miguel Rico stated that the renewal is complete and doesn’t require further negotiation from Mendes. The club now only needs to set a final salary amount based on Yamal’s recent performances, which have made him one of the team’s standout players. The new deal is expected to elevate his earnings to between €35–40 million annually—surpassing the wages of current top earner Robert Lewandowski.
This proposed salary has caused friction within the squad, especially among veteran players who feel it’s premature for a young player with limited experience to receive such preferential treatment. While some see it as a disruption to the wage structure, others recognize Yamal’s extraordinary talent and believe he’s essential to the club’s future.