Pedri was signed for only €5 million. FC Barcelona are in disarray financially;
"“For the latest financial year, Barcelona estimated net debt of €488 million ($597.5 million) and revenue of €855 million (just over $1 billion), 18% less than they budgeted. The club calculated after-tax losses of €97 million ($119 million).”Source Forbes"
This Pedri hit transfer formula is one that can be easily replicated and has already proven to be capable of massive levels of success for the club. Pedro González. more popularly known as Pedri. had a rapid ascent to the top as the club went through turmoil last season as they transitioned leadership and looked to move past the embarrassment cloud the loss to Bayern left over the club. As the club’s financials become more restrictive the club need to hit on more Pedri-type transfers. How do they do this? Through better poaching of other clubs’ youth academies.
— Mab Sidam (@MabSidam) July 2, 2021
The days of spending over €100 Million to bolster the squad are long over. The club can not risk the last few years of Messi’s prime depending on in-house production of starters as droughts are not uncommon in the academies past. They need three to five more Pedri level signings to hit so they can still surround Messi with enough quality to keep him interested in staying.
Barcelona needs more signings like Pedri
Sadly scouting can be considered one of the most difficult and confusing sides of football. Pedri is not a product of FC Barcelona or Real Madrid, he started off at Tegueste, moved to CF Juventud Laguna before moving once more and making his professional debut at 16 for Las Palmas. Does that read like the career path of the face of Spain’s Euro? No, but here we are. FC Barcelona needs to keep their eye out for more hidden gems across Spain.
Pedri spent this entire season either 16 or 17. He was already a key player for Las Palmas straight out of the youth team. Tremendous scouting for the team to sign him from CF Juventud Laguna.
— Mab Sidam (@MabSidam) June 30, 2021
Pedri plays with pure inspiration from Iniesta. pic.twitter.com/iwjhD9vYQZ
Instead of taking another Dembele level financial risk just buy 20 more Pedri’s for the same price. If even 4 or 5 of those hits (20% – 25%) that would benefit FC Barcelona better in the long term than if that one massive investment was to actually hit. Leave room to fail, mix in foreign youth prospects with youth promotions, and stabilize the squad around the high floor/high ceiling young players.
Do you know any youngsters like Pedri that Barca should consider signing?