Deco reveals Barcelona’s position on Lamine, Ansu and Raphinha’s future – ‘Will be discussed at right time’ | OneFootball

Barcelona’s sporting director Deco has shed light on the situation of Lamine Yamal’s contract renewal. Appearing on Movistar, he was questioned about a dinner meeting that took place in Lisbon on Tuesday night.

The gathering included club president Joan Laporta, Jorge Mendes, and several members of his team, with the discussions held at an Asian restaurant.

Yamal is currently under contract with Barcelona until 2026, but he has already agreed on a new deal that would extend his stay at the club until 2030.

However, this agreement still requires a formal extension to be finalised in the contract.

On Yamal’s contract

Lamine Yamal is expected to renew his contract. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Deco made it clear that Barcelona remains the best place for Lamine Yamal. The young forward has developed within the club’s system, enjoys playing for the team, and is happy with his situation.

The club’s priority is to ensure that he continues to progress in the right direction, and when the time is right, the renewal will be officially addressed.

“If I were Lamine, I wouldn’t have a better place to be than at Barça. He’s a kid who has grown up at the club, who enjoys it, who is happy, who is content.

“I think what matters is that he continues like this and so do we. That’s why I think his renewal, his personal contract issues will be discussed at the right time,” said the sporting director.

The dinner with Jorge Mendes sparked speculation about discussions surrounding Yamal’s future, but Deco played down any major significance.

“It is a dinner with a host like Jorge Mendes but it was nothing more, we are not going to talk about a player at a table with twenty people.”

On Ansu Fati’s future

Ansu Fati could leave Barcelona. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Deco was also asked about Ansu Fati’s situation, following Mendes’ comments that the winger “needs to play.”

The Barcelona director acknowledged that Ansu has had unfortunate injury setbacks during his development. However, any decisions regarding his future will be evaluated at the end of the season.

“Ansu is part of our squad, he has had bad luck with injuries when he was growing. The evaluations will be at the end of the season.”

What about Raphinha’s renewal?

Regarding Raphinha’s contract renewal, Deco confirmed that the process would unfold naturally.

The Brazilian winger is having a strong season, and if he maintains this level of performance, the club will work towards keeping him at Barcelona for the long term.

“The renewals have their timings, from the club and the player’s contract. Raphinha’s will follow its course. He is having a great season and, if he continues like this, we will want to have him for many seasons,” he noted.

Source: Mundo Deportivo