Barcelona attacker could inherit Lionel Messi’s iconic #10 shirt for 2024-25 season: Reports
Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal could reportedly inherit the iconic No. 10 shirt at the club, which was also won by Lionel Messi. The club could hand him the iconic shirt for the 2024-25 season.
Yamal came through Barca's famed La Masia academy and made his debut towards the end of the 2022-23 season. However, he had his breakthrough season last time out, making 50 appearances across competitions and contributing seven goals and 10 assists.
The 16-year-old has impressed with his performances and as per journalist Reshad Rahman, Barcelona are looking to hand him the No. 10 shirt. The shirt is currently assigned to Ansu Fati, who spent the 2023-24 campaign on loan at Brighton & Hove Albion. He is expected to leave this summer, which could make it available for Yamal.
As per Rahman, Barca are looking to hand the youngster the iconic number for marketing reasons. The Spaniard's sensational performances for club and country have seen him garner plaudits from across the globe. Moreover, it's also Barca's 125th anniversary next season.
Before Fati, the No. 10 shirt belonged to Lionel Messi, who is widely regarded as the greatest-ever player in Barcelona's history. The La Masia graduate is the club's all-time top goalscorer with 672 goals and 303 assists in 778 games. He won numerous trophies at the club before leaving in 2021.
Lamine Yamal shares his opinion on Barcelona target
Barcelona have been heavily linked with a potential move for Athletic Club winger Nico Williams. The left winger is currently competing at Euro 2024 with Spain, sharing the pitch with Lamine Yamal. The duo have been sensational in La Roja's first two games and could soon share club colors as well.
Yamal recently said about Williams potentially joining Barcelona:
"Nico is a great player and I hope to be able to share a dressing room with him. Of course, I think he should decide. We get along really well. Since the first call, he has been like that and he is another friend here.
"He is one of those wingers who confront you, who beat you with speed. He has audacity, can overwhelm anyone, and that helps any team. If I could, I would sign him."
Williams had an excellent 2023-24 campaign with Athletic Club, helping them win the Copa del Rey. He scored eight goals and provided 19 assists in 37 games across competitions, garnering attention from clubs across Europe. His contract with Athletic has a release clause worth €68 million.