Lamine Yamal is not leaving Barcelona anytime soon. The kid is in love with Barca and the feeling is definitely mutual. But Lamine’s Spanish team buddy Nico Williams’ €60M move to Bavarian club Bayern Munich is a big blow to Barca. The Catalans were eying the Bilbao winger for a while, and the dream of a Yamal Nico pairing up at Barca is over. What if Yamal followed? Let’s discuss this nightmare scenario.
Barcelona’s Indecision on Nico Williams
Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal shook the world in 2024 European Championship with their blistering skills and sensational footballing chemistry. Both scored goals after goals and destroyed top European teams with ease. And since then, the Catalans have been eyeing Nico as a potential left winger for Barca. It would have been a sensational pair upfront for Barca.
But Barca hesitated on the Nico William price tag. The financial woes made Barca think twice and they finally ended up relying on Raphinha. Thus, the Nico deal was fumbled. An interesting question, in this situation, would be: is Barca’s 17-year-old safe from European hounds? Is his one billion euro release clause enough? Because trust me, if Barca can let go of Leo Messi, Yamal too might not be safe. Yamal’s loyalty is real but Barca board has developed a habit of selling crown jewels in recent years.
Can Bayern Munich Exploit Barcelona’s Financial Issues?
Let’s imagine a scenario. Barcelona’s debt balloons up in 2026. The New Camp Nou debt causes the Catalans to sell assets once again. Yamal, who is a 19-year-old Ballon d’or winner by now, has a huge salary. And the La Liga salary cap strangles begin. What would Laporta do in this situation if Bayern shows interest in Lamine? It’s scary but it is possible, considering Barca’s recent monetary condition.
Apart from the wages issue, the Barca project must also be appealing for Yamal at that time. What if he gets frustrated by Barca’s crumbling squad or transfer rumors about himself and makes a shocker move to Bayern? and teams up with his buddy Nico Williams? Does this sound far-fetched. NO. That is because Bayern got Lewandowski the same way. Yamal’s talent and loyalty is undeniable, but no player outruns institutional rot, and Barca has had a lot in recent years.
Losing Yamal Would Be a Big Blow to Barcelona’s La Masia Identity
Neymar left Barca in 2017 and it broke the internet. He was deemed an heir to Leo Messi’s throne. But fans kind of stabilized considering his injuries at PSG and party attitude. Messi left Barca in 2021 and it was another massive blow. Barca’s ultimate king was gone, but fans still witnessed a good amount of time seeing Leo in Blaugrana colors. But if Yamal leaves Barca in coming years, it will be an even bigger blow than Neymar and Messi himself.
Thats because Yamal is already a superstar at 17. We can only wonder what kind of beast he will become at 25 or 30. The longetivity this kid will have will be surreal, and if Bayern gets Barca’s golden boy: it will be a blow to Barcelona’s identity itself. I hope that time never ever comes.