Barcelona ‘fear there could be a repeat of the Pedri situation as Spain target Lamine Yamal for Euro 2024 AND the Olympic Games’ following his stellar performance against Brazil

Barcelona are concerned there could be a repeat of the Pedri situation as Spain are considering Lamine Yamal for Euro 2024 and the Olympic Games.

The 16-year-old winger captured the attention of the nation with another blockbuster performance during Spain’s 3-3 draw with Brazil on Tuesday evening. 

Many believe Yamal has already secured a seat on the plane to Germany for Euro 2024 despite making his international debut in September 2023. 

Yamal is also being earmarked for the Olympic Games in Paris, with the Federation eager to include him in their squad – according Relevo. 

Barcelona are aware of the Federation’s intention and are said to be concerned given how playing in two major tournaments impacted on Pedri. 

Pedri played 4,996 minutes in one season, turning out 73 times for club and country before featuring at the Olympic Games and Euro 2020. 

The then 18-year-old had to settle for a silver medal as Spain suffered an agonising 2-1 defeat to Brazil in the final in Tokyo.

But, just five days later Pedri was pictured going through the motions with Barcelona as they looked to press on following the departure of Lionel Messi. 

Since then, Pedri has been hampered by muscle problems – having recently picked up another injury during Barcelona’s LaLiga clash against Athletic Bilbao on Sunday. 

Therefore, the Catalans are concerned Yamal may experience the same issues after playing at both tournaments.   

The country’s own law obliges clubs to release players for the Olympics but Barcelona could request that a player be taken out of the group. 

If the player agrees that it is better that he does not join the Olympic squad then the Spain coach is likely to allow the withdrawal.

But, if he attends both, Barcelona will be obliged to give him a break once he returns… therefore losing someone who is now such an important player for them.

Yamal was named first on the NXGN list – which is compiled by a global network of youth football experts. 

Previous winners of the gong include the likes of Jude Bellingham, Rodrygo and Jadon Sancho, with this year’s list ranking the top 50 youngsters worldwide.

Barcelona prodigy Yamal tops the list despite being just 16. The winger, who made his debut for the Catalans last season aged 15, has gone onto shine for Xavi’s side.

Yamal’s impressive performances landed him a call up to the national team in September 2023, scoring for Spain in his debut against Georgia. 

As a result, the 16-year-old starlet made headlines for becoming the youngest player to ever feature and score for La Roja.