An advisor to Barcelona president Joan Laporta has claimed that Lamine Yamal and Alejandro Balde "were in serious danger of leaving" the La Liga champions during this summer's transfer window.
Yamal became Barcelona's youngest-ever player when he featured for the first team at the age of 15 years, nine months and 16 days old against Real Betis in La Liga in April.
The 16-year-old also became Spain's youngest-ever player and goalscorer during the recent international break, cementing himself as one of the most exciting teenagers in world football.
Yamal has been an important player for Xavi's side this season, providing two assists in four appearances, but he has still not signed a contract at Camp Nou.
The forward's existing deal is due to expire next June, although it is understood that an announcement will soon arrive confirming a new three-year contract.
© Reuters
There have been suggestions that Yamal's new deal will run for three years, but there is believed to already be an agreement in place to sign him to Barcelona until 2030.
Balde, meanwhile, is also out of contract next summer, but the 19-year-old is allegedly on the verge of signing a new deal with the La Liga champions.
Enric Masip, who advises the Barcelona president, has claimed that the club came close to losing two of their best youngsters this summer.
"Lamine Yamal and Balde were in serious danger of leaving Barca. There is a club that wanted to sign Balde and Lamine. I will not mention their name," he told OnzeTV3.
© Reuters
"The president's relationship with Jorge Mendes is the reason why Alejandro Balde and Lamine Yamal are staying at Barca."
Balde became Barcelona's first-choice left-back last season ahead of Jordi Alba, which contributed to the experienced defender leaving over the summer.
The Spain international has already played three times for Xavi's side this season, while he has represented the Catalan giants on 54 occasions, scoring once and providing seven assists.
Barcelona's ongoing financial problems had led to concerns that the club could struggle to keep hold of both Yamal and Balde, but announcements over new deals are now thought to be imminent.
Xavi's side will be bidding to continue their unbeaten start to the new La Liga season when they welcome Real Betis to Camp Nou on Saturday night.
