FC Barcelona secures agreement for La Masia talents amid Euro, Olympic

FC Barcelona has reached a vital agreement with the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) concerning two of its La Masia graduates, Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi.

According to Forbes, 16-year-old Lamine and 17-year-old Cubarsi have been doing well in the Barca first team this season, coached by Xavi Hernandez and are prime suspects to represent Spain at the Euros and Olympics this summer.

Deco, Barcelona's Sporting Director, shared his perspective on this potential scenario during an appearance on the Que T'hi Juegues program, stating, "We don't want any player to participate in both the European Championship and the Games. The [Spanish Football] federation knows that, but you have to talk to the players and manage it."

In an interview with Mundo Deportivo, Lamine expressed his reservations about playing in both tournaments, noting, "It wouldn't be sensible to go to both because in the end, since I've been a starter, it's been about not being burdened and playing too much and it wouldn't make sense."

He further added, "But obviously if I have to go, in the end you're playing for Spain and it's a dream."

Lamine cited Pedri's case as a cautionary tale of how things can go wrong when young players are overloaded.

While, Pedri has struggled with injuries, particularly thigh issues, preventing him from featuring in over 50% of Barcelona's matches each season.

With this in mind, Barca wants to avoid a potential repeat with Lamine and Cubarsi, and has reached an agreement with the RFEF on the matter.

In short, both youngsters should only head to the Euros in Germany and the Paris 2024 Olympics if their participation in the former tournament has been "minimal".

If they have been protagonists on German soil, however, "the Federation will not even consider them going to the Olympic Games."

Meanwhile, this arrangement aims to ensure the players return to Barcelona in top condition, possibly joining the squad for a preseason tour in the United States.