In a recent tweet, renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano claimed that Barcelona want to keep hold of Pedri for the long run. It is understood that the Spanish midfielder has got less than a year left to run in his current Barca contract but the Catalans have the option to extend his stay for two more seasons.
Barcelona want Pedri to stay for a long time – as ‘special player’. ?? #FCB
Current contract expires in 2022 – Barça have an option to extend it for two years [he’s 100% staying] but they want to offer Pedri a new, improved contract once they will fix the financial situation. pic.twitter.com/wvV7fxPght
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 7, 2021
Pedri’s Eye-Catching Season At The Nou Camp
Pedri put in a series of impressive displays for his current employers last season and established himself as a valuable contributor in Ronald Koeman’s match-day squad. The 18-year-old netted four goals and provided six assists in 52 matches for the Spanish outfit in the previous campaign in multiple competitions.
The Tegueste-born talent was an influential presence at both ends of the pitch as he averaged 1.2 tackles, 0.9 interceptions, 0.7 shots, 1.1 key passes and 0.8 dribbles per game in La Liga. He has even been tidy with his ball distribution after completing 87.7% of his attempted passes in the Spanish top-flight (stats via whoscored).
Pedri also caught the eye while representing Spain in the UEFA European Championships recently which has raised his stock in European football. Hence, Barca would be wise to keep hold of the promising starlet for the long run.
Why The Catalan Giants Cannot Afford To Lose Pedri
Pedri has a wide range of passes in his locker and can keep the ball moving at the centre of the park by interchanging some decent passes with others around him. He has also got the vision to cut open the opposition defence with a killer pass in the final third and can also contribute by scoring his fair share of goals from midfield.
At 18, Pedri has already established himself as a class act in midfield and has the potential to become one of the best players of his generation. Hence, Koeman cannot afford to lose him as he is in line to become the next face of the Catalan club.
The early signs have been quite promising from the Spaniard but only time will tell whether he can fulfil his potential by becoming a future superstar at the Nou Camp. Pedri has also formed a great midfield partnership with the likes of Sergio Busquets and Frenkie de Jong, so he is well-worth keeping hold of for the long run.
