Former Barcelona boss Xavi reportedly played a crucial role in preventing Lamine Yamal from joining European rivals PSG at the age of 15.
Yamal was announced as the winner of the Kopa Trophy at Monday’s Ballon d’Or award ceremony in Paris.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Yamal could have been playing in the French capital for PSG had it not been for an intervention from Xavi.
Yamal’s then agent Ivan de la Pena reportedly received an offer for the Barcelona academy star at 15, leading to fears at the Catalan club he could depart for free and sign a professional deal at the French side.
Barcelona legend and then manager Xavi reportedly intervened to convince the La Masia product to stay with the club.
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