In a surprising turn of events, new Barcelona coach Hansi Flick has ignited tension within the club’s dressing room by making it clear that 17-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal will **not** be the one to wear the famous number 10 shirt at Barcelona. This announcement comes amidst the club’s ongoing plans to sell Ansu Fati in the upcoming summer transfer window.
The main objective behind selling Fati is to secure a financial return of around €15 to €20 million, which is expected to help Barcelona’s finances. However, with Fati having only made a handful of appearances this season, it’s proving difficult for the club to convince potential suitors to meet the asking price. Therefore, the option of loaning him out or even letting him leave for free remains open.
One of the consequences of Fati’s potential departure is the vacant number 10 shirt, which has held immense significance at the club ever since Lionel Messi’s departure to Paris Saint-Germain. Legendary players like Michael Laudrup, Diego Maradona, and Ronaldinho have all worn the number 10 jersey, and the pressure associated with it has always been immense. In fact, many feel that the weight of the number has hindered Fati’s development, leading to his struggles over the years.
The natural assumption is that **Lamine Yamal**, who has taken the footballing world by storm with his incredible performances for Barcelona, might be the one to inherit Messi’s former number. Despite being just 17 years old, Yamal is already considered one of the brightest young talents in the game, and many believe he’s on the path to future Ballon d’Or contention.
However, **Hansi Flick** has other ideas. According to sources from *El Nacional*, the German coach is determined not to rush Yamal’s progression by placing too much pressure on him at such a young age. Instead, Flick believes it’s best for the teenager to continue his development without the added weight of wearing Barcelona’s iconic number 10 shirt. For now, he has advised that Yamal should stick with his current number 19, allowing him to mature gradually without being burdened by the legacy of such a prestigious number.
In a further twist, Flick has reportedly advised President **Joan Laporta** and Sporting Director **Deco** not to bow to pressure from Nike, who are allegedly pushing for Yamal to wear the number 10 for its marketing potential. Instead, Flick has suggested that the shirt be given to a more experienced and seasoned player who is better equipped to handle the symbolic responsibility. **Dani Olmo**, a standout figure for Spain and a key player for RB Leipzig, is Flick’s preferred candidate for the role. Olmo, who has had a solid season despite some injury issues, has proven himself both for club and country, scoring eight goals and providing five assists in 28 appearances. He also wore the number 10 shirt for Spain during the European Championship, where he earned the tournament’s top scorer award.
Now, the ball is in Barcelona’s court. Will the club heed Flick’s advice and give the number 10 shirt to Olmo, a player with more experience and maturity? Or will they give in to Nike’s commercial pressure and hand the number to the exciting but young Lamine Yamal?
The decision could have far-reaching implications, both in terms of the squad’s dynamics and Barcelona’s brand image, as they look to navigate this tricky situation with both footballing and financial considerations in mind. The tension in the dressing room is palpable as the club faces a defining moment in their future.
