Barcelona sporting director Deco has assured fans that young stars Alejandro Balde and Lamine Yamal are both close to putting pen to paper on new contracts.
The two academy graduates are both in the final 12 months of their existing deals and, unsurprisingly, clubs across Europe have been keeping a close eye on proceedings in the hope of finding potential bargains.
Deco, however, has insisted that Barcelona fans have nothing to worry about as both Balde and Yamal are nearing extensions.
“The two renewals of Balde and Lamine Yamal are already on track,” he told a press conference. “You will surely have news in the coming days.”
Reports emerged earlier this summer stating that an agreement had already been reached with left-back Balde over a lucrative extension. The 19-year-old is already the team’s starter in his position and Barcelona are keen to reward him with a bumper new deal that is expected to arrive soon.
As for Yamal, he has only been eligible for a senior extension since turning 16 in July and there are also hopes that a full agreement over a new contract is imminent.
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Because of his young age, Yamal can only sign a contract for a maximum of three years.
A new contract would only add to the whirlwind start to the season for Yamal, who has been starting for Barcelona and recently became both the youngest player and goalscorer in the history of the Spanish national team.
“He is a player who has surprised us,” Deco said of the teenager. “Xavi gave him his debut last season. He is a kid who has his feet on the ground. He has a different quality.
“We are talking about a 16-year-old player, we have to let him have fun and Xavi and his staff know how to handle him.”
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