Lamine Yamal sparks unprecedented tension in the Barcelona dressing room at a critical point in the season, as Hansi Flick calls for urgent intervention from Laporta to resolve the situation

At a time when FC Barcelona is battling on two crucial fronts—the UEFA Champions League and the final stretch of La Liga—a major internal crisis has erupted that threatens to shatter the harmony within the squad. The center of the storm is none other than 17-year-old rising star, Lamine Yamal, whose rapid ascent has stirred conflict among teammates.

Despite being widely regarded as one of the most promising talents in world football and having delivered several match-winning performances this season, Yamal’s contractual situation has caused unrest within the locker room. According to El Nacional, the young forward is still not under a full professional contract due to his age. He will only be eligible to sign one when he turns 18 on July 13.

Until then, Yamal remains on a provisional youth contract, earning significantly less than his senior teammates. Reports suggest he currently takes home around €3 million per year—relatively modest by top-flight standards, especially given his growing influence on the pitch.

Behind the scenes, however, significant developments have taken place. Barcelona’s sporting director Deco and club president Joan Laporta have reportedly finalized a new five-year professional contract for Yamal. The deal, orchestrated by super-agent Jorge Mendes, is set to take effect the moment Yamal reaches legal age.

What has truly rocked the dressing room, though, is the scale of the proposed new contract. The agreement is rumored to raise Yamal’s annual salary to somewhere between €35 million and €40 million—an astronomical leap that would instantly make him the highest-paid player at the club, surpassing even Robert Lewandowski.

This proposed pay raise has caused a serious rift among the players. Senior squad members have voiced concerns over what they see as a premature reward for a teenager with limited top-level experience. To them, it sends the wrong message about meritocracy and disrupts the wage balance within the team.

However, not everyone shares that view. Many within the club—including Flick and several youth coaches—firmly believe that Yamal is a generational talent whose loyalty must be secured at all costs. With elite European clubs like Manchester City, PSG, and Chelsea already circling, Barcelona is under immense pressure to keep their crown jewel happy and tied to the project.

In response to the growing unease, head coach Hansi Flick has stepped in decisively. Reports indicate that Flick has requested an urgent meeting with Joan Laporta to address the tension. The German manager believes the situation needs immediate resolution to preserve unity as Barcelona enters the most critical stretch of the season.

Complicating matters further was Yamal’s absence from a recent match. While the official explanation cited “muscle fatigue,” insider sources claim it was more of a strategic decision to shield the youngster from internal friction and mounting media pressure. The coaching staff may be trying to protect him amid the chaos.

Journalist Miguel Rico has added that negotiations between Mendes and the club are already finalized. All that remains is to settle on the final salary, which will reflect Yamal’s recent performances and future value. This emphasizes that the internal unrest isn’t about whether to sign him—it’s about how much he’s worth and what that means for everyone else.

The fanbase has also shown mixed reactions. While many supporters back the decision to reward Yamal and see him as the cornerstone of Barcelona’s future, others worry about the precedent it sets and how it might impact younger players climbing the ranks.

Yamal’s representatives, particularly Jorge Mendes, have urged calm. They insist the player remains fully focused on football and detached from the controversy. However, social media buzz and whispers from the locker room paint a different picture—tensions are running high.

There is now speculation in the Spanish media that this situation could influence Flick’s team selections for key upcoming matches, including the El Clásico and the Champions League semi-final second leg. If the coach senses division within the squad, he may opt for a lineup that prioritizes internal harmony over raw talent.

Meanwhile, Laporta has remained publicly silent, but it is understood he has held private meetings with Deco and Flick in an attempt to smooth things over. A public statement from the club is expected soon to reaffirm their commitment to both Yamal and team unity.

This Yamal saga is a vivid illustration of the new post-Messi era at Barcelona—an era focused on youth development but still grappling with how to balance financial structure, dressing room hierarchy, and the realities of modern football stardom.

Whatever happens next, all eyes will be on Yamal. His performances, attitude, and the way he handles this intense scrutiny will be crucial—not just for the rest of this season, but for his long-term legacy at the club.

The resolution of this matter could ultimately define Barcelona’s trajectory, both competitively and institutionally, for years to come.