Pedri is set to sign a new contract with Barcelona after Liverpool held talks with the Spain international regarding a potential move to the Premier League, president Joan Laporta told RAC1.
While the Catalan Kings look more like paupers these days, cash-strapped, controversy hit and licking their wounds after successive 3-0 defeats in the Champions League, at least the future looks bright, even if the present does not.
Lionel Messi may be gone but, in 18-year-old Ansu Fati, Barcelona appear to have found a natural successor for that iconic number ten shirt.
Fati has been in devastating form since returning from a long-term injury lay-off in September, calming any fears that a 12-month absence would have taken its toll on his body and his confidence.
Sergino Dest, Oscar Mingueza, Ronald Araujo, Eric Garcia, Alex Balde, Gavi and Nico Gonzalez are all 22 and under too, while the peerless Pedri will only celebrate his 19th birthday in November.
Is Pedri staying at Barcelona?
The Mirror reported in April, when the reality of Barcelona’s financial situation was starting to become clear, that Liverpool had held talks with Pedri’s representatives.
But while Barcelona have spent the best part of two years frantically attempting to reduce their crippling wage bill, a Camp Nou car-boot sale resulting in the departures of Luis Suarez, Ivan Rakitic, Arturo Vidal and more, Pedri is one of the few they will be desperate to retain.
“The intention is to renew (the contracts of) the young players we have,” said Laporta, whose second spell as Barcelona president is proving to be far more difficult than his trophy-laden first.
“We are working to renew the youth players. They are responding well and we are in a process of renewal. Next week I hope to give you good news.
“Pedri, we have advanced (talks) with very well and hopefully we can take it further.”
One of the breakout stars of this summer’s European Championships currently has a £70 million release clause in his contract. According to Goal, however, that will be raised to somewhere in the region of £360 million should a new deal be rubber-stamped after months of negotiations.
That is one way to scare off the suitors.
In other news, the so-called ‘new Pedri’ could be on his way to Wolves…
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