Teenage sensation Pedri signed a contract extension at FC Barcelona until 2026. The new deal sets an historic $1.16 billion release clause for the 18-year-old.
Pedri began his senior career at Las Palmas, making his debut at age 16 in 2019. Barcelona signed him for nearly $6 million after just a few outings in the Las Palmas shirt, allowing him to end the season there before he moved to Camp Nou. Pedri established himself quickly as part of the Barcelona first team, and played his first game in Blaugrana in September 2020. Over the past 12 months, he became an important part of the Barcelona setup, playing 56 times under Ronald Koeman and scoring on four occasions.
He also became a national team player, making 10 appearances for La Roja and being named the best young player at Euro 2020. The midfielder is currently one of the most important prospects in world football.
His most important attributes are his excellent progression with the ball, his passing skills, and his personality during games.
Pedri’s impressive performances in the Barcelona and Spain shirts earned him a nomination to the prestigious Ballon d’Or trophy this year.
It's done #DreamTeen pic.twitter.com/7dbumsqJYB
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) October 14, 2021
The formal signing of the contract will take place on Friday, with a press conference also scheduled.
Barcelona hasn’t recovered after its complicated season last year. Their lack of consistent results, the club’s huge debts, and Messi’s departure have made the Catalonian giants lose their enchanting aura. Champions League losses to Bayern Munich and Benfica put Dutch coach Ronald Koeman under pressure, with the media expecting him to be sacked if he doesn’t help Barca win again quickly.
Currently, the team sits ninth in La Liga, five points behind arch-rivals Real Madrid, who are leading the pack. The next three games could be crucial for Koeman. Barcelona will face Valencia at home on Sunday, then host Dynamo Kyiv in the Champions League, only to add another shock to their series at the end of the week when they confront Real Madrid at Camp Nou in the first El Clasico of the season.
If Barcelona president Joan Laporta decides to part ways with Koeman, the bookies have Xavi as their favorite to replace him at +100. Andrea Pirlo follows at +150, with Roberto Martinez at +500.
