Lamine Yamal names Man United’s £25m transfer target as his toughest ever opponent

Lamine Yamal names Man United’s £25m transfer target as his toughest ever opponent

Barcelona and Spain sensation Lamine Yamal has named RB Leipzig’s David Raum as his toughest opponent to date.

Since graduating from Barcelona’s academy in August 2023, Yamal has risen quickly to become one of the most promising young football players in the world. Yamal had a fantastic first season at Camp Nou, helping the Catalan powerhouses win La Liga.

The attacker’s reputation skyrocketed once more in the summer when he led Spain to European Championship gold.

After winning Young Player of the Tournament at Euro 2024, Yamal, 17, hasn’t shown any signs of slowing down this season, scoring six goals and dishing out eleven assists for Barcelona across all competitions.

Yamal has defeated numerous of the best defenders on the planet since making his debut.

But speaking to Tuttosport, the teenager recalled his struggles against left-back Raum when Spain beat Germany to a place in the Euro 2024 semi-finals back in July.

Asked to name his toughest ever opponent, Yamal replied: ‘David Raum, the left-back of Germany and Leipzig

‘He is a tough and brave defender.

‘At the European Championship he proved to be a difficult opponent to beat.’

Raum has built a reputation as one of the most dependable full-backs in German football over the last few seasons and his performances have not gone unnoticed in the Premier League.

Reports earlier this month claimed Manchester United were exploring a move for Raum and had even opened talks to sign the 26-year-old next summer

It has been suggested that Raum is viewed as a ‘very good fit’ as a left-sided wing-back in Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-3 system at Old Trafford.

However, Raum, who has also been linked with Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich, is tied into a contract with RB Leipzig until 2027

Asked about his future last month Raum said: ‘If I were to be honest, I would say I have no idea what will happen after this season but I have a contract here in Leipzig and everything is great.’

Pressed on whether Leipzig had received an offer for him, Raum answered: ‘No, not at all. There’s no discussion, nothing.

‘I can honestly say that and that is why it’s not a topic for me at all. But we all know how things are in football. I feel extremely comfortable here and see my future in Leipzig

‘But I have also said, for example, that the Premier League might be a dream and a big goal at some point.’