In a recent interview with El Chiringuito, OK Diario journalist Eduardo Inda offered an update on Barcelona starlet Pedri’s future as he believes that both Liverpool and Manchester City are pushing hard to recruit the Spanish whizkid next summer. Inda said,
“Liverpool and City want the most spectacular promise of Spain and European football: Pedri.
“His contract expires at the end of June, although Barcelona have an automatic renewal clause.”
Pedri’s Recent Emergence In Spanish Football
The 18-year-old enjoyed a brilliant run of form for Barca last season as he caught the eye by putting in several influential displays for them in Spanish football. The Tegueste-born sensation registered four goals and six assists in 52 matches for the Catalan club in the previous campaign across multiple competitions.
Pedri performed well to average 1.2 tackles, 0.9 interceptions, 0.7 shots, 1.1 key passes and 0.8 dribbles per game in the previous La Liga season. He distributed the ball accurately from midfield based on his pass completion rate of 87.7% in the Spanish top tier (stats via whoscored).
Why Barca Should Not Sanction Pedri’s Exit Next Summer
Pedri is a technically gifted youngster who can create some excellent plays for others around him and can keep possession ticking without breaking a sweat at the centre of the park. The Spanish wonderkid has also scored some crucial goals for Barca over the past 12 months.
The early signs have been quite promising from Pedri, so Ronald Koeman would be wise to build a team around the talented starlet as he has the potential to become the next face of the Catalan club following Lionel Messi’s surprise departure earlier this year.
At 18, Pedri is currently amongst the best young players in world football. Therefore, the Catalans should try everything they can to keep hold of him beyond the end of this campaign. He is an exceptional talent whose stock would only increase in the coming seasons. Under no circumstance, Koeman should think about sanctioning Pedri’s exit as he is slowly but surely becoming the Catalan club’s most prized possession. Plus, Barca has the luxury to offer him regular game time which might be enough for them to tie the Spanish midfielder down to a new, long-term contract.
