FC Barcelona is highly likely to have a new number 10 next season: Lamine Yamal made a hint on Saturday that fits in with Ansu Fati’s plans.
The number 10 has a special meaning in soccer. This is especially true for FC Barcelona and its history. From 2008 to 2021, Lionel Messi wore the number on his back in Catalonia, preceded by world stars such as Ronaldinho, Juan Roman Riquelme, Rivaldo, Gheorghe Hagi, Romario, Eusebio and, in the 1991/92 season, Pep Guardiola.
Since Messi’s departure, Ansu Fati, then still a great hope and promise for the future, has worn the number 10 for the Blaugrana. However, the number is likely to have a more “worthy” heir in Barcelona soon: on Saturday evening, Lamine Yamal shared a telling picture of Diego Maradona in his Instagram story.
The late Argentine also wore the number 10 in Barcelona during the 1982/83 and 1983/84 seasons. Now Lamine Yamal is close to wearing the two special numbers on his back. Ansu Fati, who has been unable to gain a foothold at the reigning Spanish champions due to ongoing injury problems, is finally close to a move to AS Monaco, with a loan deal with an option to buy already negotiated.
New box office hit guaranteed
An announcement of the transfer, which will see him play alongside Paul Pogba in the principality, is expected by the beginning of next week at the latest. Ansu Fati is expected to extend his contract, which runs until 2027, until 2028.
Shortly thereafter, Barcelona is expected to unveil Lamine Yamal’s new number. A jersey that is sure to be a big seller. The 2024 European champion had previously worn the number 19, the same number he wears for the Spanish national team. There, too, a switch to the number 10 is probably only a matter of time.
