Joan Laporta giving Lamine Yamal contract ‘special treatment’ with Barcelona star poised to take iconic No.10 shirt

Barcelona president Joan Laporta says Lamine Yamal’s new contract is getting “special treatment” ahead of his 18th birthday.

Although the forward’s current contract runs until 2026, Barca are eager to extend the deal once he turns 18 in July and are set to include the maximum release clause required by LaLiga of €1billion.

Speaking in a recent interview, Laporta admitted that negotiations are still in progress but stressed the club’s confidence in a positive outcome.

“There is always some suffering involved. It’s been discussed, but it’s not signed. Lamine’s a great player, an extraordinary person and is already very mature.=

“There are good feelings with his representatives and with his family. His agent, [Jorge] Mendes, advises him well.

“It will end well. He’s grown up here, he’s Catalan and he’s a Barca fan. He’s happy in Barcelona and is destined to be the best player in the world.”

Lamine Yamal will become Barcelona’s new number 10 from next season.

He will sign a new contract with a release clause of €1 BILLION.

The announcement will be made on July 13, his 18th birthday.

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— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) May 19, 2025

Although discussions have been ongoing for several months, Yamal’s impressive performances in the final stretch of the season have only increased his value and importance to the team.

He has been instrumental in Barca’s domestic treble-winning campaign, which saw them lift LaLiga, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Supercopa.

The 17-year-old has netted four goals in his last six matches, including standout strikes against Inter Milan in the Champions League semi-finals, Real Madrid in El Clasico, and Espanyol – helping to seal the LaLiga title.

Laporta went on to confirm that Yamal’s salary will reflect his role in the squad, rather than his age.

“It’s not done, but it’s been worked on. The [salary] has to be in line with his performances, not his age. [The club] have to give him special treatment. We have to unite the club’s interests with Lamine’s. Let’s hope there’s understanding on both sides.”

There has also been speculation that the new deal could come with a symbolic gesture – the iconic No.10 shirt, currently held by Ansu Fati since Lionel Messi’s departure in 2021. Yamal currently wears No.19.

“[Sporting director] Deco will decide that, it’s an internal issue,” Laporta added.

“What I like about Lamine is that he has so much individual talent, but he’s also involved in how we play as a team. He’s a modern player that knows how to defend.”

Yamal is just one of several players Barcelona are aiming to lock into long-term deals. Laporta revealed that talks are also ongoing with Frenkie de Jong, whose contract runs until 2026, and Raphinha, who is currently tied down until 2027.