Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly clinging to the hope that Lamine Yamal could one day be lured away from Barcelona. The teenage wonderkid signed a lucrative contract extension in Catalonia over the summer, after turning 18, but continues to see questions asked of his future. It could be that he once again finds himself heading down the same path as Lionel Messi.
Messi comparisons: Yamal expected to win Ballons d'Or
Comparisons between Yamal and Messi have been made ever since another exciting left-footed forward stepped out of the famed La Masia academy system. Yamal is now a European Championship and La Liga title winner with Kopa Trophy and Golden Boy awards to his name.
He finished as runner-up in the 2025 Ballon d’Or vote, behind PSG superstar Ousmane Dembele, but is expected to collect several Golden Balls over the course of his career. It remains to be seen where he is plying his trade when the most prestigious of accolades come his way.
AdvertisementGettyPSG have history when breaking the bank on Barcelona stars
Barcelona have no intention of parting with another prized asset, having reluctantly been forced to let Argentine GOAT Messi leave for Paris in 2021 once it became apparent that a contract extension for the South American icon could not be funded.
Yamal is being paid what he is worth, but it has been suggested that he could be talked into taking on a new challenge at some stage. PSG hope that situation will play into their hands. The big-spending Ligue 1 giants are one of few clubs that could afford to put an enticing transfer package in place.
A history-making deal would likely be required in order to lure Yamal away from Catalonia, but PSG smashed the world transfer record when splashing out €222 million (£193m/$257m) on Neymar in 2017 – with that agreement also being reached with Barcelona.
PSG still want Yamal: Previous claims of bid were rubbished
A report from respected French journalist claims that Yamal remains on the radar of those at Parc des Princes. He has said in a video on YouTube: “In Doha (PSG’s owners are Qatar Sports Investments), they say: ‘We want him’. In Doha, it has been decided that they want him, whatever it takes, one day.”
Yamal is now tied to terms at Barca through to 2031, which would appear to make him unattainable. PSG are said to have already tested the water when it comes to a possible deal, although claims from inside the Barcelona camp that a formal offer was tabled that “came from France” have been rubbished by those in Paris.
That bid was said to be worth a staggering €250m (£211m/$277m), and those are the kind of numbers that would be required in order to tempt Barca into a sale. They will, however, be doing all they can to snub any interest.
Blaugrana president Joan Laporta has said of Yamal: “Lamine is a genius. We have to support him and give him the best advice, but he is already much more mature than other boys his age because of what he has been through. This fame could overwhelm him, but he is handling it very well. The way to treat him is to help him. He will make mistakes like everyone else, and perhaps more so because he is very young. He is a lad who makes himself loved.”
Getty/InstagramBreak with Nicole after injury: Barcelona star nursing knock
Yamal is currently nursing a groin injury that is preventing him from playing for Barcelona and Spain. He has, however, been able to fill time during the latest international break by enjoying a romantic break with Argentine rapper girlfriend Nicki Nicole. It is important for him to relax and unwind away from the field given the intensity of the attention that he continues to attract.
Barcelona remain hopeful that he will be fit again in time to take in a Clasico clash with arch-rivals Real Madrid at Santiago Bernabeu on October 26. They will continue to turn a deaf ear to any reports suggesting that Yamal could be prised from their clutches in upcoming transfer windows.