Barcelona: La Masia pair land long-term senior contracts

The Catalans have tied down two of their most promising youngsters to new deals.

Barcelona have reportedly renewed the contracts of Alejandro Balde and Lamine Yamal.

Balde has developed into a crucial player in Barca’s backline since making his senior debut in 2021. With Jordi Alba leaving Camp Nou ahead of the next season, the club moved fast to offer Balde a new contract.

Yamal, on the other hand, has earned his first professional contract at the club. The winger, who turned 16 earlier this month, has played for Barcelona’s academy ranks since 2021.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Barcelona have extended Balde’s contract until 2026, while Yamal has signed a five-year deal at the club.

Financial problems have forced Barca to shift their attention toward homegrown stars and free agents in the last few transfer windows.

This summer, the Catalans have signed Ilkay Gundogan and Iniigo Martinez on free moves while agreeing to pay €8m for Oriol Romeu. The club have also signed Brazilian starlet Vitor Roque on a €40m. But he won’t join the club until 2024.

According to Forbes, Barcelona still need to raise around €165m in player sales to register new their new contracts ahead of the 2023-24 campaign.

The likes of Ansu Fati, Ferran Torres, and Eric Garcia are linked with moves away from the club. But none of them have shown interest in leaving the club this summer.