Beyond the clear challenge of rebuilding the team, new Barcelona manager Hansi Flick also faces the task of assigning the number 10 shirt for the next season.
This shirt was left vacant during the 2023/24 season after Ansu Fati was loaned to Brighton and Hove Albion. Ansu will now return to Barcelona after an unimpressive season, and it seems unlikely that he will keep the number 10 shirt for the new season.
Given this situation, it is speculated that Lamine Yamal has done more than enough to deserve this iconic number.
This shirt was once worn by the club’s historic top scorer, Lionel Messi, therefore, Flick might consider giving Yamal the honour of wearing this number in the upcoming season.
WHAT YAMAL SAID
Yamal currently fills the No.27 jersey in Catalunya, but has told Mundo Deportivo of inheriting an iconic squad number from Ansu Fati – who is currently on loan at Premier League side Brighton: “As you said, Ansu is the number 10 but if in the end he is not still here, it would be a source of pride. It would be a dream for any child to be Barcelona’s number 10. Nobody in this world would say no, but it’s something that the club has to manage.”
Yamal is deserving
Reflecting on his breakout season under Xavi, where he scored seven goals and provided 10 assists, it is reasonable to believe that he has outperformed Ansu in earning this squad number.
Now, there might be a lot of debate about this decision, and rightly so, since Yamal is only 16 and will be playing his second professional season.
The pressure of wearing the number 10 could be overwhelming, but from a marketing perspective, the decision makes sense.
Lamine Yamal is deserving of #10 shirt at Barcelona.
It is also worth considering that placing such a heavy responsibility on a player who is still a minor could be risky. However, a closer look might lead Flick to agree that few players deserve this number as much as Yamal does.
What are the other options?
If Barcelona were to sign Bernardo Silva from Manchester City, he would certainly be a strong candidate for the number 10 shirt.
However, Yamal’s case is strengthened by the fact that he is a homegrown talent, just like Messi was, and he has a promising future ahead.
Moreover, if Yamal were to wear the number 10, his jersey sales would likely surpass those of Bernardo. This is another reason why the team should be in agreement that Yamal deserves this number.
Considering the history and significance of the number 10 at Barcelona, it would be unwise to leave it vacant for another season. Barcelona have the highest shirt sales in the world, and leaving such an important number unused could be seen as a poor marketing decision.
In addition, every euro counts for Barcelona in their current situation and the sales from Yamal’s number 10 jersey could significantly contribute to the club’s finances.
A Huge Surprise : Laporta’s Bold Move for Yamal
In an astonishing move that has everyone talking, Barcelona president Joan Laporta plans to surprise rising star Yamal with a new jersey number, asking him to rewrite the history behind it!
The Historic Gesture
Laporta’s decision to assign Yamal a legendary number is not just a symbolic gesture but a significant milestone aimed at marking a new chapter for the young talent at Barcelona. This number carries immense historical significance, having been worn by some of the greatest players in the club’s storied past. The gesture is seen as a vote of confidence in Yamal’s potential to become a future legend.
Yamal’s Response
Deeply honored by this incredible offer, Yamal expressed his excitement and gratitude: “Nobody in this world would say no to such a great honor.” His acceptance of the number signifies his readiness to embrace the expectations and responsibilities that come with it, and to make his mark in Barcelona’s rich history.
What’s the Number?
Curious to find out the historic jersey number Laporta has chosen for Yamal? The details are revealed in the first comment below.
Check the First Comment for the Historic Jersey Number!
In conclusion, this surprising and bold move by Laporta not only highlights Yamal’s rising status within the team but also sets the stage for him to become a key figure in Barcelona’s future. Fans eagerly await to see Yamal don the legendary jersey and begin his journey towards rewriting history at one of the world’s most iconic football clubs.
