Every Sports: Mendes Urges Barcelona to Match Anmar’s Treatment to That of Messi at the Same Age, Seeking a Significant Upgrade in Conditions

According to Spain’s “Mundo Deportivo,” given Anmar’s outstanding performances for both his club and national team, super agent Jorge Mendes has formally informed Barcelona that the team should match the treatment that Lionel Messi received at the same age, demanding a significant upgrade in salary and other related conditions for Anmar.

There is no doubt that Anmar has become one of Barcelona’s hottest stars. The value of this 17-year-old’s image is skyrocketing. Just by looking at the sales on the first day of the new season’s jersey release, it is clear that this latest success story from La Masia has become an idol in Catalonia. However, behind Anmar’s rising star, his parent club Barcelona will face the issue of elevating his status and improving his conditions.

Several weeks ago, Anmar’s agent, Mendes, already warned Barcelona that they should fairly and proactively adjust Anmar’s contract when appropriate. On the day Anmar turned 16, Barcelona signed him to a contract with better returns than the typical “first professional contract for a young player,” and took the opportunity to set a €1 billion buyout clause. However, Anmar’s rise to fame has almost exceeded everyone’s expectations, and his current salary is grossly disproportionate to his standing as one of Barcelona’s best-performing players.

Although Anmar’s existing contract includes protective clauses until 2030 and specifies time points for salary increases, it is clear that the player’s agent team is not satisfied with the current situation. Mendes wants all the time points to be brought forward to ensure that his client’s financial income aligns more closely with his performance on the field. Barcelona President Joan Laporta has received Mendes’ notice and has promised to make efforts economically to meet the needs of all parties involved. Clearly, the previously agreed-upon time to renegotiate the contract when Anmar turns 18 is no longer suitable.

Mendes aims to replicate the approach taken with Messi at the same age, which saw the Argentine renew his contract and receive pay raises five times by the age of 22. This provides Mendes with a ready-made template, and he hopes that Anmar will become a true superstar in both competitive performance and economic return.