Beyond the clear challenge of rebuilding the team, new Barcelona manager Hansi Flick also faces the task of assigning the number 10 shirt for the upcoming season. This shirt was left vacant during the 2023/24 season after Ansu Fati was loaned to Brighton and Hove Albion. With Ansu returning to Barcelona after an unimpressive season, it seems unlikely that he will retain the number 10 shirt.
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Given this situation, it is speculated that Lamine Yamal has done more than enough to deserve this iconic number. This shirt was once worn by the club’s historic top scorer, Lionel Messi, and Flick might consider giving Yamal the honor of wearing this number in the upcoming season.
Yamal’s Merit
Reflecting on his breakout season under Xavi, where he scored seven goals and provided 10 assists, it is reasonable to believe that Yamal has outperformed Ansu in earning this squad number. However, there might be debate about this decision since Yamal is only 16 and will be playing his second professional season. The pressure of wearing the number 10 could be overwhelming, but from a marketing perspective, the decision makes sense.
Potential Risks and Rewards
It is worth considering that placing such a heavy responsibility on a player who is still a minor could be risky. However, a closer look might lead Flick to agree that few players deserve this number as much as Yamal does. If Barcelona were to sign Bernardo Silva from Manchester City, he would certainly be a strong candidate for the number 10 shirt. However, Yamal’s case is strengthened by the fact that he is a homegrown talent, just like Messi, and he has a promising future ahead.
Moreover, if Yamal were to wear the number 10, his jersey sales would likely surpass those of Bernardo. This is another reason why the team should be in agreement that Yamal deserves this number. Considering the history and significance of the number 10 at Barcelona, it would be unwise to leave it vacant for another season. Barcelona have the highest shirt sales in the world, and leaving such an important number unused could be seen as a poor marketing decision.
Financial Implications
Every euro counts for Barcelona in their current situation, and the sales from Yamal’s number 10 jersey could significantly contribute to the club’s finances. Given his potential and the historical significance of the number, awarding Yamal the number 10 shirt could be a strategic decision for both sporting and financial reasons.
