When everyone is fit and healthy, picking the starting XI at FC Barcelona is going to be an impossible task, especially in midfield. But could that task be made a little easier with the exit of one high-profile name?
Barcelona have scored 10 goals and conceded 0 over their last two games against Royal Antwerp and Real Betis, and the Catalan side seem to be firing on all cylinders under the 4-3-3 formation that Xavi has adopted.
The exit of Ousmane Dembele allowed Lamine Yamal to break through and the 16-year-old Spanish international has been a revelation so far this season. Nobody wants to lose good players, but sometimes when you’re a major European outfit, you can’t keep everyone happy.
Reports in Catalonia are indicating that three teams will come in with a huge €120 million offer for Barca midfielder Pedri, who yet again is sidelined with an injury. Last year Barca struggled to create without their young midfielder, but this year they’ve flourished in his absence, largely thanks to the addition of Gundogan, who’s playing well without getting the plaudits.
Four major European clubs are interested in FC Barcelona’s Pedri
According to a report in El Nacional, Barcelona would consider any transfer fee of around €120 million for Pedri, who despite the injuries is still considered one of the more promising midfielders in world football.
Bayern Munich, Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool are all reportedly tracking the situation at Barca, with all four clubs interested in the services of the 20-year-old midfielder.
Pedri worked tirelessly this off-season to ensure he was putting himself in the best position to stay healthy, but unfortunately, a quadriceps injury is set to sideline him until the middle of October. This isn’t new, Pedri missed time last season through injury as well.
The financial situation at Barcelona means that any good transfer fee for any player would have to be considered, and considering Pedri was signed for just €17.5 million from las Palmas, selling him for €120 million would represent a considerable profit.
I still hope that Pedri will be able to find his best form at Barcelona, as when he’s playing well there are few better midfielders in the world.