Lamine Yamal’s star has absolutely skyrocketed. Still just 17, he’s one of the world’s best wingers, and a key man for FC Barcelona.
But he could be in Paris Saint-Germain instead, if not for Xavi’s intervention. Apparently, the Parisian club had made a big offer for the player when he was just 15, about to turn professional.
There was a lot of consternation at La Masia, as the youth academy risked losing one of its biggest promises for free. That’s when Xavi, who was manager then, stepped in,
In a chat with the player, it’s reported Xavi offered a young Yamal, and his then-agent, Iván de la Peña, a deal.