I have combined my thoughts on this issue into one post. I may have to come back to this post in the future when we find ourselves in a pit again.
In fact, Laporta is now facing the same choice Bartomeu once did — although slightly easier, since Leo's stature was still greater than Yamal's is today.
It’s obvious that Bartomeu, being a financier, understood that renewing Leo's contract under insane conditions would negatively affect the club’s wage structure and ultimately threaten its financial future. But at the same time, he couldn’t get the thought out of his head that the fans would tear him apart if he didn’t extend Leo. And the fans — let's be honest — are mostly short-sighted. They don’t think in the long term. Even now, look at the majority of their comments: “Give Yamal whatever he wants. He’s our best player.”
Bartomeu lacked the character and strength of spirit to make a decision that, in the long run, would have saved the club from financial trouble. And we all know how it ended. Bartomeu left, leaving behind a mess. Messi and the "amigos" left, leaving the same mess. And not one of them, except for Piqué, forgave the club a single cent when it found itself in a dire financial situation.
After Leo’s departure, Laporta said — the club is above any player.
Laporta, either you show character and protect the club from future financial problems, or you cave in to Yamal’s family, to Mendes, out of fear of the majority of fans who would be outraged if Yamal decides to leave after rejecting the club’s offer — and in doing so, you’ll once again jeopardize the club’s long-term sporting and financial stability.
The choice is yours, Laporta.