Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal’s recent emotional reaction during the club’s opening La Liga match has reportedly been linked to the expected departures of three close friends, rather than concerns about his own performances or his chances of winning the Ballon d’Or.
The 19-year-old was visibly frustrated after being substituted during Barcelona’s 5-0 victory over Elche, prompting speculation about what had caused his reaction.
However, Spanish media reports say Yamal’s mood has been affected by the likely departures of Marc Casado, Hector Fort and Alejandro Balde as Barcelona prepare to reshape their squad during the summer transfer window.
The three players are understood to have developed close relationships with Yamal over many years, making their possible exits particularly difficult for the teenager.
Yamal reportedly distressed by departures
Journalist Jota Jordi discussed Yamal’s situation on the Spanish television programme El Chiringuito, claiming that the Barcelona forward’s emotional state is connected to the uncertainty surrounding his friends.
The report suggests that Yamal’s reaction against Elche should not necessarily be interpreted as frustration with his individual performance or disappointment over his prospects of winning football’s most prestigious individual award.
“I heard that he is not well, and it is not about his poor performance in the World Cup or because he is unlikely to win the Ballon d’Or. He is a 19-year-old, and his three best friends of the last 10 years are leaving.”
Jordi said the departures of Casado, Fort and Balde have had a significant personal impact on Yamal, who has spent much of his development at Barcelona alongside the trio.
He added: “I can assure you that this is the reason, so don’t look for another reason.”
The comments came after Yamal appeared angry when he was taken off during Barcelona’s emphatic win over Elche.
His reaction initially led to speculation that he was unhappy because he had not scored or because he believed his display had fallen below expectations. The reports, however, offer a different explanation for the incident.
Barcelona reshuffle puts three players’ futures in doubt
Barcelona are understood to be considering significant changes to their squad, with sporting director Deco working on decisions concerning Casado, Fort and Balde.
According to local reports, the three players are not currently regarded as central figures in German head coach Hansi Flick’s plans.
Casado’s departure appears particularly likely.
The midfielder has reportedly turned down approaches from clubs in the Saudi league because he wants to continue his career in Europe. His representative, Jorge Mendes, is now said to be searching for another European destination.
Fort is also attracting interest from abroad, with negotiations reportedly taking place over a move to Borussia Dortmund.
The proposed transfer could eventually be worth as much as €12m, according to the reports.
The situation involving Balde is less certain.
Unlike Casado and Fort, the defender wants to remain at Barcelona and fight for his place in the squad. His position has nevertheless become more complicated following the return of Portugal international Joao Cancelo.
Cancelo’s return has reportedly contributed to Balde falling down Flick’s list of priorities.
Yamal faces major change at Barcelona
The potential departures would represent a significant personal change for Yamal as well as a reshaping of Barcelona’s squad.
The young forward has become one of the club’s most prominent players, but the reports suggest that his strong reaction to the changes around him is rooted in personal relationships rather than footballing disappointment.
At 19, Yamal is already under considerable attention because of his performances and the expectations surrounding his future. His Ballon d’Or prospects have also generated significant discussion.
Yet Jordi’s account indicates that neither issue is responsible for the player’s reported downturn in morale.
Instead, it is the prospect of losing three teammates with whom he has shared a close bond for much of his life.
Barcelona’s decisions over Casado, Fort and Balde could therefore have consequences beyond the club’s sporting plans. For Yamal, their futures are also a personal matter.
With the club continuing to work on its squad for the new campaign, the coming weeks are expected to determine whether all three players remain at Barcelona or move elsewhere.
For now, Yamal’s reported frustration provides another dimension to the club’s transfer decisions, as Barcelona balance their plans for the squad with the personal impact those changes may have on one of their most important young players.
