Former Barcelona sporting director, Ramon Planes, has warned youngster, Lamine Yamal not to allow recent successes get into his head, especially as his name is being mentioned for Ballon d’Or this year.

He said fans must avoid putting too much pressure on the Spain international.

Planes also believes it was not yet time for the 17-year-old to win the prestigious award, saying he has to maintain his current level for a few more years.

The youngster’s impressive form for Barcelona and Spain has put him in front as one of the favourites to win the 2025 edition of the award

He became a member of La Masia senior team on April 29, 2023, under Xavi Hernandez at the age of 15 and has shown all the signs of a great footballer in the making.

He helped his country of birth, Spain, win the Euro 2024, and also won four trophies with Barcelona.

Yamal scored 18 goals and made 25 assists in 55 appearances across all competitions for Barça last season.

Many fans, pundits and football followers believes the 17-year-old should be recognised as the best footballer in the world.

But Planes told Mundo Deportivo, via Barca Universal, “The hardest part is staying at the top level. We must protect him and avoid putting too much pressure on him.

“If he keeps this up for years, he could become a Ballon d’Or winner. But it’s still early days, and we need to be patient.”

The youngster helped his club win the LaLiga title, Copa del Rey, and Supercopa de Espana last season.

Napoli striker, Victor Osimhen, appears to have made a decision on his future.

According to Corriere dello Sport, Osimhen has accepted a €16 million-per-year contract from Galatasaray.

It is claimed the 26-year-old has already communicated his desire to continue with the Turkish giants.

Osimhen spent the whole of last season with Galatasaray, helping them win the title and League Cup.

Amid a lack of interest from Europe’s top teams, Osimhen now wants to make the move permanent.

Galatasaray’s push to secure the Super Eagles striker has reportedly attracted significant backing from club sponsors.

Chelsea manager, Enzo Maresca, has told Noni Madueke that he is free to leave the Premier League club this summer.

Arsenal are believed to hold an interest in adding Madueke to their squad.

The Gunners have reportedly initiated fresh round of transfer talks, with Chelsea valuing the 23-year-old at £50 million.

Madueke only moved to Stamford Bridge in the summer of 2023 and has a contract with the club until 2030.

However, Jamie Gittens’ arrival from Borussia Dortmund could now lead to Madueke’s exit.

Speaking to reporters, Maresca said: “Noni has been very important for us during this season. Today, again, he has been important.

“But my message to the players and to the club is that I want just players that are happy to be with us. The ones that are not happy, they are free to go.”