Barcelona are not sitting around and waiting for the Alvarez deal to collapse. They already have a name ready. As per Cadena SER, if the operation for the Argentine cools down then Barcelona will activate their option for Chelsea's Joao Pedro.
Who is Joao Pedro?
The 24-year-old Brazilian had his breakout season in the Premier League this season, with 14 goals and 5 assists in 32 games, having averaged a FotMob rating of 7.18. His best performance was when he hit a hat-trick and registered an assist in the 4-1 away win over Aston Villa.
His numbers at a glance
- 14 goals in 32 Premier League appearances, averaging 0.52 goals per 90 minutes.
- 19 goal contributions which ranks him in the 98th percentile in non-penalty xG among Premier League attackers.
- Current Market Value: 75 million. Contract until 2033
Why he would fit Flick's system
Instead of waiting around in the box, Pedro drifts in and out of pockets, linking midfield to attack and timing his arrival to the box for the finish.
His profile is much more suited to Flick's system which is based on high pressing and attacking fluidity, rather than a static centre forward.
The complication
Chelsea signed him in July 2025, and have tied him down with a contract until 2033. The length of the contract gives them enormous leverage to make sure there are no bargain deals for Pedro.
At a market value of 75 million, it's an expensive signing and if Barcelona would manage to get it off they would not do a bargain deal.
The intent of Barcelona for the summer transfer window is clear. Barcelona are going into the summer transfer window with multiple striker options in their list.
Alvarez is the priority for the summer. Joao Pedro is second in line and he would make for an excellent signing. Given how Joao Pedro's season has gone, he is a very solid option in consideration.
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