Lamine Yamal names Manchester United's £25m transfer target as his toughest ever opponent

Yesterday at 01:13 PM

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

Yamal has experienced a meteoric rise since breaking out of Barcelona’s academy ranks in August 2023, establishing himself as one of the most exciting young players in world football.

In an outstanding debut season at the Camp Nou, Yamal played a key role to help the Catalan giants win La Liga and the attacker’s stock rose dramatically again in the summer as he inspired Spain to European Championship glory.

Yamal was subsequently named Young Player of the Tournament at Euro 2024 and the 17-year-old has shown no signs of slowing down this term, racking up six goals and 11 assists for Barca in all competitions.

Since bursting onto the scene, Yamal has got the better of a host of the finest defenders on the planet at both club and international level.

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.'

For more stories like this, check our sport page.

Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.