Barcelona fear burnout for €150 million-rated young phenom – report

At just 17 years old, Lamine Yamal has become the main player for both FC Barcelona and the Spanish national team and is an undisputed starter for both sides.

Given what he brings to the table and the impact that he has on the pitch, it is understandable why both teams want the La Masia gem to play every game.

At the same time, however, the youngster’s workload must be taken into consideration, especially considering his young age and the fact that he is just one season into his senior career.

Barcelona fearing burnout for Yamal

When videos of Yamal limping out of the stadium after Spain’s latest game against Denmark appeared this past weekend, naturally alarm bells went ringing at Barcelona.

Despite La Roja manager Luis de la Fuente’s reluctance, the 17-year-old was released from the national team camp on Sunday, suffering from a muscle overload but with no injury.

However, as per SPORT, given the workload that Yamal has been exposed to, Barcelona fear that the youngster could be facing a burnout.

So far this term, the La Masia graduate has played 88% of the available minutes for club and country. That is why Barcelona boss Hansi Flick had been regulating his game-time before the international break – subbing him off vs Young Boys and Alaves, and benching vs Osasuna.

Looking at the numbers from the previous campaign, from January to the end of the season, Yamal ended up playing 26 out of 29 matches with Xavi’s Barça. With Spain, he played in 10 out of 11 matches, including the UEFA Euro 2024.

It means that from January to July, between Barça and Spain, Yamal played 36 out of 40 possible matches. And that’s at just 16 and 17 years old.

Such workload at this stage of his career is naturally a concern and it is understandable that Barcelona have a fear about their teenage phenom being burned out.

As per the report, Yamal, with hamstring issues, will undergo another examination at the Ciutat Esportiva to dispel fears after returning from the national team camp.

With crucial games against Sevilla, Bayern Munich, and Real Madrid coming up, Flick and Barcelona will be hoping that the 17-year-old is at his best level.

*Player valuation in title obtained from transfermarkt.com on date of publication.