Would Lamine Yamal become a ‘Galactico’ & join Real Madrid? Barcelona wonderkid’s blunt response to Clasico transfer question

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Lamine Yamal Lionel Messi Barcelona

WHAT HAPPENED?

The 17-year-old forward has become one of the hottest properties in world football. He made his senior debut at 15 and has already collected several major honours – including the European Championship crown with Spain, as well as prestigious Kopa Trophy and Golden Boy prizes.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

There is further potential to be unlocked in his game, as he picks up more experience, and comparisons to eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi are seemingly never far away. It is ability such as that which has always been of appeal to Real and the ‘Galactico’ recruitment model of Los Blancos president Florentino Perez.

Lamine Yamal Barcelona Real Madrid 2024-25Getty

WHAT LAMINE YAMAL SAID

Few players throughout history have, however, traded life at Camp Nou for that on the other side of the fierce Clasico divide at Santiago Bernabeu. Quizzed by Mundo Deportivo on whether he could follow Luis Figo’s lead at some stage, Yamal said: “Impossible. Madrid, no.”

DID YOU KNOW?

Yamal is expected to sign a new long-term contract with Barca when turning 18 in July and added on his focus being locked on scaling even greater heights: “Demand more from myself every day. Everything helps me. People expect things from me that are not normally expected from a 17-year-old, and I demand it from myself. That is what makes me go further every day and want more.”

Lamine Yamal Barcelona 2024-25Getty

WHAT NEXT FOR BARCELONA?

Yamal could reach 100 competitive appearances for Barcelona this season, as he sits on 83 at present, with Hansi Flick’s side having 14 fixtures to come in their La Liga title challenge while also readying themselves for the last-16 of Champions League competition.