"He's already up to Mbappe and Vinicius" - Rivaldo makes big claim about Barcelona youngster

Brazilian legend Rivaldo has claimed that Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal is already at the level of Real Madrid forwards Vinicius Jr. and Kylian Mbappe. Yamal, 17, enjoyed his breakout season in 2023-24 and is considered one of the brightest talents of the upcoming generation.

Rivaldo, who scored 35 goals for Brazil in his professional career, played for Barcelona between 1997 and 2002. He made 235 appearances for La Blaugrana, bagging 130 goals and 45 assists.

During a recent interview, the Barcelona legend heaped praise on Lamine Yamal. He said (as per Barca Universal):

"He's a great player. I admire him because he has a personality despite being young. But it already has a very, very high level. I think he's already up to Mbappe and Vinicius. According to his personality, I think he still has a lot to show. He's going to get very, very far."

Rivaldo added:

"You see Yamal and he plays with joy. Enjoy soccer. If you consider the fact that he has already won the Euro Cup, it makes him a differential footballer for the future. I'm convinced."

During the 2024 European Championships, Yamal started six out of the seven games for Spain, scoring one and assisting four goals as they won the trophy for the fourth time in their history. His only goal came during Spain's 2-1 victory over France in the semifinals.

PSG considered making a more than €200 million bid for Barcelona star: Reports

As per transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) were reportedly considering making a bid worth over €200 million for Barcelona's Lamine Yamal this summer. PSG were keen on signing the Spanish forward in the summer transfer window, as they saw him as the ideal replacement for Kylian Mbappe.

Kylian Mbappe left the Ligue 1 giants to join Real Madrid on a free transfer earlier this summer. Fabrizio Romano said on his YouTube channel that although PSG didn't make an official bid for the 17-year-old, the French giants were considering it. He said (via Football Transfers):

"What I can tell you guys is that I can confirm that PSG, at some point last season, when they understood that Kylian Mbappe was going to leave the club, they really thought of making a record bid for Lamine Yamal."

He added:

"So, more than €200m. They never sent this proposal, it was not an official bid, it was not an official proposal, it was not even a negotiation because Barcelona and the player didn't want to even entertain any talks with any club. But PSG internally considered to present a record bid for Yamal."

Fabrizio Romano also confirmed that Hansi Flick's Barcelona are not entertaining any offers as they are preparing a new contract for the 17-year-old. Yamal has made ten appearances for La Blaugrana this season, bagging five goals and five assists.