How Xavi prevented Barcelona rising star from joining PSG – report

In a recent revelation by Xavier Bosch in Mundo Deportivo, it has come to light that former Barcelona manager Xavi played a crucial role in protecting young forward Lamine Yamal from a potential move to Paris Saint-Germain. 

It must be noted that Yamal’s links with PSG gained attention earlier this year when Joan Laporta disclosed that he had rejected an astonishing €250 million offer for the promising star. 

Although PSG later claimed they had not made a €250 million bid, the focus remains on Yamal, who is now secured at Barcelona until 2026 with a staggering €1 billion release clause. 

PSG’s interest and Xavi’s intervention

Quite surprisingly, the interest from PSG had begun even before Yamal’s recent success. At just 15 years old, PSG had already cast its eye on this talented youth player. 

Xavi’s intervention convinced Lamine Yamal. (Photo by LLUIS GENE/AFP via Getty Images)

At that time, his agent, Ivan de la Pena, received an offer from the French club, creating a sense of urgency within Barcelona. There was genuine concern that this star from La Masia could leave the club for free upon turning 16. 

Recognizing the potential loss, Xavi took matters into his own hands. He reached out to Yamal and made a promise that if the young player’s dream was to remain at Barcelona, he would ensure his debut with the first team as soon as the opportunity arose. 

In return, Yamal needed to commit to renewing his contract with Barcelona. Keeping his promise, on April 29, 2023, at the age of just 15 years and 9 months, Yamal made his debut at the iconic Camp Nou in a match against Real Betis. 

Shortly after turning 16, he signed his first professional contract with the club on October 2, 2023. Both Xavi and de la Pena upheld their commitments, which played a significant role in securing Yamal’s future at Barcelona. 

Subsequently, Jorge Mendes, a well-known agent, stepped in and persuaded Yamal’s parents to allow him to represent the young talent, marking another important chapter in Yamal’s burgeoning career.