Lamine Yamal has undoubtedly put himself in contention to win this year's Ballon d'Or amid a season to remember with Barcelona. The 17-year-old lit up the European Championships last summer, claiming the Young Player of the Tournament award.
The 19-cap Spain international has continued to put his name up in lights with terrific performances for the Catalans. He's bagged 16 goals and 24 assists in 52 games across competitions and is on course to help Hansi Flick clinch the La Liga title and the Copa del Rey in his first season in charge.
Barca fans will be eager for Yamal's future to be sorted amid negotiations taking place over an extension. His current deal expires next year but Deco has spoken optimistically about the exciting winger prolonging his stay at Camp Nou.
Deco gives positive update on Lamine Yamal contract talks
The Blaugrana are confident Yamal will sign a new contract when he turns 18 in July. He's risen through the club's youth ranks since arriving from Toretta in 2014, enjoying his best season in a scintillating frontline alongside Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski.
Barca sporting director Deco has told ESPN that there isn't a better place for the Spanish attacker to continue his career: "A player has to be happy where they are, but I can't see a better place for Lamine to be... The boy grew up here; he's from here. This generation of players has the chance to make history. Putting myself in his shoes, I would want to be here, to be part of it."
Deco added: "I don't see any problem, especially as he has a contract [until 2026]. [The renewal] will end up happening."
Yamal could win the La Liga title for the second time in his career as early as tonight (Wednesday, May 14). Real Madrid face Mallorca, and if Los Blancos fail to win, then Flick's men will be crowned champions.
If Carlo Ancelotti's men manage to keep their slim hopes alive then Barca can get the job done tomorrow. They travel to Espanyol and will know a win will hand them the title.
Hansi Flick hints that Yamal can get "even better"
There is an argument to be had that Yamal is the best player in the world at the moment, certainly the most entertaining. Whenever the Esplugues de Llobregat-born youngster gets on the ball, magic occurs, as seen in last weekend's 4-3 win against Madrid when he scored a stunning strike.
Yamal has earned comparisons to Lionel Messi amid his meteoric rise in Catalonia where he's broken several records including becoming the club's youngest ever goalscorer. His manager, Flick, has spoken about his potential (via ESPN):
“Every player has potential to get better. It's not only the talent, it's also hard work when you want to reach this level, like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, the big, big players of the past. We all have to stay calm and let's see what happens.”
Many assumed Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland would be the heirs to Ronaldo and Messi in the modern era's Ballon d'Or race. But, Yamal looks to be the brightest star in world football who continues to wow fans game after game.
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