Officials at Manchester City are reportedly considering a bold move for FC Barcelona’s rising star Lamine Yamal, motivated by lingering regret over missing out on Lionel Messi.
The Premier League champions’ interest in Yamal aligns with their efforts to strengthen Pep Guardiola’s attacking options for the future, with Erling Haaland and Phil Foden central to their long-term plans.
City have recently shown a strong commitment to investing in young talent, as seen with signings like Claudio Echeverri and Rayan Cherki, and a move for Yamal would mark their most ambitious step in that youth-focused approach.
At just 18, Lamine Yamal is already seen as the future of both Barcelona and Spanish football. His impressive performances in La Liga and the Champions League have earned him comparisons to a young Lionel Messi for his composure, technique, and creativity.
Manchester City’s admiration for Yamal reportedly stems from their disappointment over failing to secure Messi in 2020.
According to journalist Romain Molina, both Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain tried to sign Yamal before he extended his Barcelona contract earlier this year, which runs until 2031.
City officials are said to have become determined to land Yamal after missing out on Messi, while PSG were reportedly ready to do “whatever it takes” to sign him. The player’s agent is believed to have used the interest from both clubs to increase his client’s value and pressure Barcelona into finalizing a new deal.
Although a transfer for Yamal appears unlikely anytime soon, the story underscores Manchester City’s growing influence in the global youth market, following quick moves for prospects such as Echeverri, Oscar Bobb, and Divine Mukasa.
Interest in Yamal fits City’s strategy of identifying generational talent early, before their market value skyrockets—if it hasn’t already.
Barcelona, who see Yamal as a future Ballon d’Or contender, consider him untouchable. His contract reportedly includes a staggering €1 billion release clause.
For Manchester City, this makes a transfer more of a long-term dream than an active pursuit. Still, given Guardiola’s appreciation for La Masia graduates and City’s ongoing interest in Barcelona’s top prospects, Yamal is likely to remain on their radar for years to come.
