Pedri and Gavi finished, Yamal is next

After the controversial situation involving Dani Olmo and the intervention of the High Sports Council, which helped resolve a complicated fair play issue, Laporta and Deco have shifted their focus. Instead of scouting new signings, they are working to secure the futures of their current players against financially stronger competition. First, in June and early season, Marc Casadó and Fermín López renewed their contracts, and now it's Pedri, Gavi, and Ronald Araújo. Next in line are Iñigo Martínez and Pau Cubarsí. In June, Lamine Yamal will follow.

This reinforcement is necessary, especially since Saudi Arabia has opened a new front in the transfer market, targeting young talents and shaking up Spanish football—particularly Barcelona, whose success largely depends on them. Unai Hernández, one of the best players in Barça B, was set for a contract renewal in December. However, last weekend, he asked the coach not to include him in the squad because he was negotiating with Al-Ittihad. The transfer was completed quickly—rather than a new contract, he secured a move for 5 million euros. Unai had no place in the first team for now, and alongside him, 18-year-old Pau Prim is also in negotiations, with rumors swirling about even younger talents from La Masia being targeted.

Start of Spanish football war: Clubs unite against Barcelona - all except one

Barcelona’s advantage lies in the strong emotional connection its youth academy players develop with the club. Just as Cesc Fàbregas and Gerard Piqué had to leave for the Premier League or Dani Olmo for Dinamo Zagreb, some youngsters today face the same situation—only with different destinations. The midfield is overcrowded, meaning many struggle to break into the first team. However, those who do rarely think about leaving. That's why it was hard to imagine a scenario where Pedri or Gavi wouldn't renew their contracts. Despite inevitable concerns, all parties always intended to sign, making it just a matter of time. The pillars of Flick’s midfield will stay until 2030, with a release clause believed to be set at one billion each, though not officially confirmed.

Araujo deal done, Pedro in the works

Since both players' previous contracts were set to expire in 2026, this renewal had to happen before June. These two "young veterans" are already proven stars, yet it's easy to forget that Pedri is only 22 and Gavi just 20. Pedri is in his fifth season with the first team, while Gavi is in his fourth. Pedri arrived at 17 from the Canary Islands, and Gavi at 15 from Real Betis' youth ranks. Today, they are valued at 100 million and 80 million, respectively—amounts that Barcelona simply couldn't afford to spend on new signings.

Barca snatch an African gem

After some difficulties, including an offer from Juventus, Ronald Araújo also extended his contract. Following an injury and seeing Cubarsí and Iñigo Martínez successfully replace him in defense, the Uruguayan considered seeking a new challenge. Deco convinced him to stay, securing a release clause of 65 million, which will drop to 20 million in the next transfer window. Reports suggest he also received a significant salary increase fitting for a captain.

Fan groups join in against Laporta

Next in line is Iñigo Martínez, who will get another year after exceeding expectations under Hansi Flick. Barça considers his renewal part of a strategic plan for defensive stability, with financial details reportedly agreed upon. A similar situation applies to Robert Lewandowski, though he will have to wait a few more weeks. Publicly, Barça insists they want to keep him, especially since Flick counts on him. However, his age (37) and high salary could be obstacles. Deco will also have to address Frenkie de Jong’s future soon. After a long time, the Dutchman is once again receiving applause from the fans, and Flick is confident he will regain his best form. De Jong has no desire to leave, and his substantial salary is an added incentive. His last contract renewal came under Bartomeu’s administration and still makes him the club’s second-highest earner.

Lewandowski: I can hardly imagine myself in another club after Barca

Pau Cubarsí recently turned 18, meaning his release clause of 500 million will likely increase with the terms of his first full professional contract, which he is now eligible to sign. All of this leads to perhaps the most crucial negotiations, which must wait until June. On July 13, Lamine Yamal turns 18. His current contract, signed in September 2023, includes a salary of 1.67 million—the legal maximum for a minor—an amount that now seems laughable given his talent and potential. Yamal's current market value, according to Transfermarkt, is 180 million, and many top European clubs would love to sign him. Enric Masip, Laporta’s advisor, recently revealed that PSG made an offer of 264 million for Yamal. Premier League giants like Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester City, and Manchester United have also publicly expressed interest.

However, in 2023, Yamal’s parents signed a letter of intent stating that he would sign a professional contract with Barcelona upon turning 18. This deal, also set to run until 2030, is expected to include a salary of 7–8 million per year, making him the third-highest-paid player at the club. The club is also mindful of his young age and the need for a sustainable salary growth plan, given their financial struggles and fair play regulations. For now, Yamal, like Gavi and Pedri, appears committed to staying. However, with Jorge Mendes as his agent, lucrative offers will inevitably come his way. It remains to be seen whether his bond with Barcelona will withstand the test.

LA LIGA - MATCHDAY 22

Friday

Leganes - Rayo Vallecano 0-1 (0-0)

/Ciss 78/

Saturday

Getafe - Sevilla 0-0

Villarreal - Valladolid 5-1 (1-0)

/Perez 42, Gueye 64, Comesana 70, Barry 86, Suarez 90+1 - Amallah 90+4/

Atl.Madrid - Mallorca 2-0 (1-0)

/Lino 26, Griezmann 90+3/

Espanyol - Real Madrid 1-0 (0-0)

/Romero 85/

Sunday

16.00: (1.17) Barcelona (8.00) Alaves (14.0)

18.15: (2.35) Valencia (3.25) Celta (3.15)

20.30: (2.95) Osasuna (3.00) Sociedad (2.65)

23.00: (3.05) Betis (3.15) Ath.Bilbao (2.45)

Monday

23.00: (1.70) Girona (3.60) Las Palmas (5.30)

***odds are subject to change***