It is not for nothing that Jorge Mendes is called the superagent in football. The Portuguese has some of the best and biggest players and some of the most exciting young talents across the globe as his clients.
Two Barcelona starlets also fall in the latter category in the form of Alejandro Balde and Lamine Yamal. The teenage duo’s contract situation is a matter that needs urgent resolution.
And according to SPORT’s Ferran Correas, Mendes has provided assurances to Barcelona that both Balde and Yamal will sign new contracts and continue at the club beyond the summer.
Balde’s current contract with the club expires next year. Talks over a new deal have been going on for a while now, with the Blaugrana keen on keeping hold of him for the long term after his explosive performances this season.
Recent reports have suggested that the talks are in the final phase and Mendes has now promised that Balde will sign his new deal before June 30.
Once he puts pen to paper on the new contract, the 19-year-old La Masia graduate will be tied down to the club until 2027 and will have a massive €1 billion release clause.
As for Yamal, the 15-year-old is one of the most exciting talents coming through the ranks at the La Masia youth academy. The young forward will be turning 16 this July and will be eligible to sign his first professional contract.
Clubs across Europe have taken note of the teenage prodigy’s innate abilities and potential. But Jorge Mendes has promised Barcelona that Yamal will not be leaving the club in the summer.
Talks regarding his renewal are also advancing, with the Catalans having presented him with a plan for his progression at the club. He is also a regular when it comes to training with the first team despite being just 15. There is a possibility that he could even be given his senior debut before the season ends.