Barcelona president Joan Laporta ultimately said what the majority of fans were hoping to hear: Lamine Yamal's renewal is actually done. It hasn't been signed, yet it's all already discussed, aligned, and well in progress.
The Catalan club moved quickly to remove any risk from one of its most valuable assets. And rightly so. At only 17 years old, Yamal already has the numbers of an established player and is far more than just another youngster making up the numbers. He's a fundamental part of Barça's sporting project, one that also includes extending contracts to Frenkie De Jong, Raphinha, and head coach Hansi Flick, before dipping into the transfer market.
Yamal to sign and extend as one of the team's high priorities
Lamine Yamal's adventure did not go by without leaving a mark. He made 54 appearances donning the Barcelona shirt, scoring 18 goals and providing 22 assists. His contract runs out in June 2026, but the club has opted to move early so that his future does not drag on as a saga.
Laporta confirmed that renewal is already being discussed and that the salary would be as per the status the player already holds in the team, and it was explicitly stated that age should not limit his value while negotiating.
"Everything's been talked about and settled, and everything's fine. He's an excellent player, much older than young. He should be paid for his worth to the club, either by age or otherwise. The extension has been settled in principle, but not yet signed. It's not signed, but it has been settled," Laporta clarified.
The expectation is that the signing is a matter of time, and Barcelona will release the new deal in the coming days, shutting off any other European interest.
Raphinha considered a fundamental element and likely to stay in the project
The other name still resonating in Barcelona's vision of rebirth is Raphinha. The Brazilian forward, signed until June 2027, just had his best European football campaign. In 56 games, he scored 34 goals and made 23 assists.
Apart from his consistent effort on the front line, he also turned out to be a leader off the field and on the field, with Laporta referring to him as one of the team captains. Raphinha, as per the club president, wants to stay, is dedicated to the project, and everything leads towards an amicable deal.
This extension would be a reward for his work and a way of safeguarding him against other offers since his name is causing a buzz all around the European market.
Frenkie De Jong is in sync with the front office
Laporta also commented on Frenkie De Jong's situation. The Dutch midfielder has a contract until June 2026, but the club wants to renew it before the final stretch of the season comes.
The president signalled that the player is calm and wants to stay: "We've talked a lot with him and agreed on his continuity. He's an essential player. We also want to renew with Raphinha. He's one of the captains. He's very dedicated to the project and wants to stay, so we'll agree."
Keeping De Jong ensures the composition of the team remains intact and provides stability for the midfield, especially for a team attempting to reclaim its position at the top of European soccer.
Hansi Flick's contract extension represents stability at the top
As the club prepares to renew contracts with its priority players, Barcelona will also announce renewing head coach Hansi Flick's contract. The new deal will be announced this Wednesday, according to Mundo Deportivo.
His original contract ended in June 2026, and the extension will run up to mid-2027. Flick arrived this season and recorded impressive results. He had 43 wins in 59 games in charge, seven draws, and nine defeats.
He led the team to three trophies: the La Liga, Copa del Rey, and Spanish Super Cup. The statistics put Flick in a better position in the club, and the renewal of his contract marks the continuity of the long-term project.
Laporta had no reservations in praising the coach symbolically, observing that Flick possesses "Johan's look," a direct reference to Johan Cruyff. He further stated that Flick is a well-disciplined individual who can connect with the players.