Barcelona are unhappy with Luis de La Fuente for comparing Lamine Yamal to club legends Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona.
The Spanish national team manager believes that Yamal, at 16, has proven to be a standout talent for Barcelona, having featured in all of the club’s league games this season.
Although he hasn’t scored yet, he was instrumental in forcing a Sergio Ramos own goal during their recent victory over Sevilla.
The young winger is said to have signed a new three-year contract with Barcelona, which includes a staggering release clause worth around £1 billion.
Yamal has also made a strong start to his international career, becoming the youngest debutant and goal scorer for Spain in a 7-1 win against Georgia in September.
Excited about the rising star’s skills, De La Fuente’s comments have now raised eyebrows at Barcelona, as the club has been careful to shield the player from unnecessary pressure.
Barcelona boss Xavi, who shared the field with Messi for over a decade, had previously cautioned against comparing Yamal to the Argentine superstar.
Xavi disclosed this in a recent interview ahead of Barcelona’s midweek Champions League match against Porto, saying, “We are not doing Lamine any favors if we compare him to Messi.”