‎Lamine Yamal to Real Madrid? Deco addresses rumors, contract demands and Barcelona's commitment to wonderkid

‎Barcelona director Deco has firmly dismissed swirling speculation regarding Lamine Yamal's future, amid explosive rumors suggesting a possible move to Real Madrid and alleged contract demands from the 17-year-old sensation. Speaking to RAC1, Deco made it clear that Yamal has neither requested to become the highest-paid player at Camp Nou nor received an offer from Los Blancos.

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Deco denies Lamine Yamal wants to be highest-paid at Barcelona & confirms no Real Madrid offer: Barca star to sign new deal in July.

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‎Lamine Yamal, the prodigious Golden Boy winner, has rapidly become a cornerstone of FC Barcelona’s present and future. The Catalan giants are eager to tie down their homegrown talent with a lucrative long-term deal, which he will be eligible to sign upon turning 18 in July 2025.

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‎“He didn’t ask to be the highest-paid player on the team. That’s not true,” Deco said in response to media speculation. “He just wants to be happy here. A player at this level has to be happy. Contracts must be fair, not excessive.”

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‎Barcelona’s stance is clear: they see Yamal as a generational talent and are committed to building around him. Deco emphasized that while Paris Saint-Germain expressed interest last season, Real Madrid did not table any offer for the rising star.

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‎“Last season, yes—PSG showed interest—but Real Madrid didn’t,” Deco confirmed. “But we’re not entertaining offers. Our focus is on keeping him. There’s no better club for him than Barca.”

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‎The club’s urgency in securing Yamal's long-term future comes on the heels of a historic treble-winning campaign. The teenager played a pivotal role in Barcelona’s La Liga, Spanish Super Cup, and Copa del Rey triumphs during the 2024–25 season, firmly establishing his status among football’s elite.

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‎Deco believes the sky is the limit for the young forward. “I want him to win the Ballon d’Or. He’s got that potential,” Deco said. “We have a few players with that level, and Lamine is certainly one of them.”

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‎As Spain prepares for the UEFA Nations League in June, Yamal is expected to be a key figure. With his contract saga close to resolution and Barca’s future revolving around his talent, Yamal’s journey is only just beginning—firmly rooted in Catalunya.