Barcelona drop interest in 26-year-old Premier League superstar due to Lamine Yamal's special preference: Reports
Barcelona have reportedly dropped their interest in Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold due to Lamine Yamal. As reported by Football 365, the Spanish wonderkid's solid chemistry with Jules Kounde on the right-hand side has discouraged the Blaugrana from pursuing Alexander-Arnold.
Arne Slot has enjoyed an exceptional start to his tenure at Anfield but the Dutchman could lose three of his key stars next summer. Alexander-Arnold, along with Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, have their contracts expiring next summer.
Alexander-Arnold, in particular, has been heavily linked with a move away from Liverpool with Real Madrid emerging as the frontrunner for his signature. It is claimed that Barcelona are also huge admirers of the gifted full-back but have decided against making a move.
The reason behind the Catalan giants' decision not to pursue the England international on a free transfer is Lamine Yamal. It is understood that Barca believe that Yamal's game could be impacted by Alexander-Arnold's arrival.
Lamine Yamal has done incredibly well on the right flank this season and much of that is due to Jules Kounde playing at right-back. The Frenchman, who is predominantly a centre-back, is excellent defensively which means Yamal gets all the freedom he wants.
Alexander-Arnold, on the other hand, is one of the most creative footballers on the planet and often vacates his natural position. The Liverpool star's arrival at Camp Nou would mean Yamal would have to offer a lot defensively.
Yamal has been exceptional for Barcelona since breaking into the first team aged just 15 in 2023 under Xavi Hernandez. He has scored six goals and provided eight assists in 16 games across competitions this season with his side flying under Hansi Flick.
Ademola Lookman backs Barcelona's crown jewel Lamine Yamal to win the Ballon d'Or in the future
Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman has tipped Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal to win the prestigious Ballon d'Or in the future. At just 17 years of age, Yamal has already established himself as one of the best players in LaLiga and also helped Spain win the Euro 2024.
Ademola Lookman, who has been a revelation since moving to Atalanta in 2022, has named Yamal as a player destined for Ballon d'Or. He told DAZN, via Yahoo Sports:
"One player who could win the Ballon d'Or in future? Lamine Yamal."
Yamal has already made 67 senior appearances for Barcelona, scoring 13 times and providing 17 assists. Capped 17 times for Spain already, he has three goals and nine assists at the international level.
The gifted youngster finished eighth in the race for Ballon d'Or in 2024 with his compatriot Rodri winning the award. The winger, however, became the youngest player to win the Kopa Trophy, which is given to the best young player of the year.