Reports suggest that Manchester City made a significant effort to secure the signing of Barcelona’s rising star, Lamine Yamal, before he made his breakthrough in La Liga this season. The 16-year-old winger achieved a historic milestone by becoming the youngest player to start a La Liga match for Barcelona, earning a standing ovation from the club’s fans when he was substituted off after an impressive performance against Cadiz. According to Radio Marca, the European and English champions went to great lengths to entice Yamal to join Pep Guardiola’s team during the summer transfer window.
Enric Masip, an advisor to Barcelona president Joan Laporta, confirmed that there were inquiries about the talented teenager. Yamal also made history by becoming the youngest player and scorer for the Spain national team in their Euro 2024 qualifying match against Georgia this month. Masip stated, “Lamine Yamal and Alejandro Balde found themselves in a serious situation regarding a potential departure this summer due to a club that attempted to secure their services.”