Barcelona want €180m-rated gem to be their new No. 10; drop hint about change | OneFootball

According to a recent report from SPORT, Barcelona are hoping to see Lamine Yamal as the next owner of the club’s legendary No. 10 shirt—a number once donned by the likes of Lionel Messi and Ronaldinho.

Currently, the No. 10 shirt is held by Ansu Fati, who inherited it in 2021 following Messi’s departure.

While his talent is undeniable, injuries and inconsistency have hindered his ability to live up to the monumental expectations associated with the jersey.

This has left Barcelona contemplating a change, with Yamal emerging as a clear candidate because he has been one of the most exciting players to watch this season. His stats underline his brilliance:

13 goals across all competitions: Six in La Liga, three in the Champions League, and two in the Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup.

An impressive tally of 12 assists in La Liga, making him the most prolific provider in the domestic competition.

Additionally, he is a merchandising sensation, with his shirts outselling any other Barcelona player’s—an aspect the board is keen to capitalise on.

Signs are there

The Catalan giants are well aware of the commercial potential of placing the No. 10 shirt on Yamal’s shoulders. The club even teased fans on social media, posting an image of Yamal with the caption: “This shirt in 10 years will be a relic.”

It is hard to view this as anything other than a strategic hint, building anticipation for the day when Yamal will officially inherit the number.

From a sporting standpoint, Yamal has shown maturity and consistency well beyond his years. Despite his young age, he has developed into a complete forward, blending pace, vision, technical skill, and composure in front of goal.

Wearing the No. 10 shirt isn’t merely about talent; it’s about representing the club’s ethos, embodying creativity, and delivering results when it matters most.

A profitable move

Lamine Yamal will sooner or later become Barcelona’s #10. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Interestingly, the club’s inclination to bestow this honour upon him is not just about tradition or emotional appeal. It is also a savvy commercial move.

By promoting Yamal as the new face of the club, Barcelona can expect a surge in merchandise sales—a crucial factor for a club still recovering from financial struggles.

While it is clear that Barcelona have every intention of making Yamal their new No. 10, the timing of the change remains uncertain.

The decision is likely to be made in consultation with the player himself and the club’s commercial department, ensuring the transition is both smooth and beneficial.