Lamine Yamal ‘lined up for shock summer transfer to Premier League but Barcelona blocked move for record-breaking teen’
MANCHESTER CITY tried to sign Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal this summer, according to a club chief.
The two clubs have conducted a number of deals in recent years, with former City captain Ilkay Gundogan joining Barca this summer.
GettyManchester City tried to sign Lamine Yamal[/caption]
Joao Cancelo also signed for the Spanish giants on loan until the end of the season.
In return City tried to sign 16-year-old Lamine Yamal, according to Barcelona board member Enric Masip.
He told Radio Marca: “Lamine Yamal and Balde were in serious danger of leaving this summer because there is a club that tried to poach them.”
But Barca blocked the move from happening and they are now plotting a contract extension for the youngster.
Yamal is set to be offered a three-year deal – the maximum that can be given to a player of Yamal’s age.
The Spaniard impressed in pre-season for Barca and he has been rewarded for his fine form with minutes for the first-team this season.
He has featured in all four LaLiga games so far this campaign and even has two assists.
Barcelona boss Xavi is a big fan of Yamal and predicted a bright future for the teenager.
FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
He said after Barcelona’s win over Villarreal: “He is a very good player. Very unbalancing, very electric, a difficult opponent to cover. He has a great future.”
Yamal has also burst onto the international scene and set a new record for the youngest player to represent Spain when he made his debut against Georgia last week.
