Manchester City Made an Attempt to Sign Barcelona’s 16-Year-Old Wonderkid During the Summer Transfer Window

During the summer transfer window, Manchester City made an attempt to sign Barcelona’s 16-year-old wonderkid, Lamine Yamal. This move may have contributed to the rumors of worsening relations between the two clubs. Barcelona had already signed Ilkay Gundogan and Joao Cancelo on loan from City during the same window.

Lamine Yamal, who turned 16 in July, was eligible to sign his first professional contract, and Barcelona had been publicly discussing the impending deal. However, board member Enric Masip recently revealed that Yamal had been close to leaving the club during the summer due to interest from another club.

Masip mentioned that both Lamine Yamal and Alejandro Balde were at risk of leaving, and it has now been confirmed that Manchester City was the club trying to sign Yamal. It remains unclear whether City also pursued Balde, who is yet to finalize a contract renewal with Barcelona.

Barcelona has strong connections with Lamine Yamal’s agent, Jorge Mendes, which may have played a role in the negotiations. Since then, Yamal has received playing time under the guidance of Xavi Hernandez and made history by becoming Spain’s youngest player, starter, and scorer in matches against Georgia and Cyprus.