Speaking in an interview with OnzeTV3Enric Masip, the advisor to Barcelona president Joan Laporta has claimed that there is a serious threat of teenage duo Alejandro Balde and Lamine Yamal leaving the club in the summer.
Balde enjoyed a sensational campaign last season with Barcelona and has become the undisputed starter at left-back.
Meanwhile, Yamal has emerged as the breakout star of the current campaign, shining brightly at club and international level, despite only being 16 years old.
Balde, Yamal, should have left
Naturally, the La Masia Duo attracted suitors from other places and Masip revealed that the couple’s threat to leave the club this past summer was very real.
“Lamine Yamal and Balde are in serious danger of leaving Barça. There is a club that wants to sign Balde and Lamine. I will not say their names,” he said.
However, Masip revealed that Laporta’s good relationship with Jorge Mendes, who represents Balde and Yamal, played a key role in the pair staying at the club.
“The president’s relationship with Jorge Mendes is the reason why Alejandro Balde and Lamine Yamal stay at Barça,” he added.
While Masip did not mention the name of the club trying to sign Balde and Yamal, recent reports suggest that Manchester City have shown interest in the pair, which has caused some tension between the two clubs.
New contracts are coming
By staying put, Balde and Yamal are ready to sign new contracts with Barcelona soon.
An agreement is already in place for Balde to renew his deal until 2028 while Yamal will pen a three-year deal until 2026, with both contracts protected by a €1 billion release clause.
The signing and announcement of the deals could happen in the coming days once the duo returns from national team duty.