Lamine Yamal is hoping to sign a long-term contract with Barcelona and expects the deal to be completed “soon”.

The 17-year-old joined the Catalan club’s youth system in 2014 and has made 72 first-team appearances for Barcelona, ​​having made his first-team debut in April 2023.

Yamal – whose contract with Barcelona expires in the summer of 2026 and includes a €1 billion release clause – has established himself as one of the best young footballers in the world, playing in all seven games for Spain as Spain won Euro 2024.

“I don’t know when (his contract will be extended), but I believe it will be soon,” Yamal said in an interview with CNN.

“In the end, Barca is the club of my life. I hope to extend my contract with them and stay with them as long as possible. I want to play in the Spanish league. I want to play for Barca and yes, I will extend my contract. I will.”

Yamal became the youngest player to ever play for Barcelona when he made his debut as a 15-year-old in 2023, the same year he signed his current contract.

Hansi Flick’s side next face Athletic Club in the Supercopa de Espana on Wednesday, with the striker available for selection.

Go deeper

Lamine Yamal’s trademark trivela: Dissecting the Barcelona star’s artwork

(Pedro Salado/Getty Images)