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Barcelona 'preparing new contract for Spanish midfielder'

Barcelona 'preparing new contract for Spanish midfielder'
© Reuters
Barcelona are reportedly preparing to offer a new long-term contract to midfielder Pedri.

Barcelona reportedly have plans to hand a new long-term contract to Pedri.

Of all the academy graduates to be promoted into the first-team ranks in recent years, there is an argument that the midfielder has been the most successful.

The 21-year-old has contributed 18 goals and 13 assists from his 134 appearances in all competitions, with his game time only limited through injury.

That was seemingly a consequence of his energy-sapping first full campaign with Barcelona in 2020-21, when Pedri made 52 appearances when his 18th birthday was only in November of that season.

While his game time has been restricted since that initial emergence, Pedri remains a key member of the senior ranks at Camp Nou.

Barcelona's Andreas Christensen celebrates scoring their third goal with teammates as Paris Saint-Germain's Kylian Mbappe looks dejected on April 10, 2024© Reuters

Pedri serves reminder of ability

Pedri showcased his qualities in his first appearance in more than a month earlier this week, coming off the substitutes' bench to produce a superlative assist for Raphinha's second goal against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League.

Barcelona's priority will now be on ensuring that the Spain international remains fit to add to his 17 starts and seven substitute outings for the 2023-24 campaign, particularly in continental competition.

Nevertheless, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, club officials are working behind the scenes in order to retain Pedri's services in the long term.

Romano claims that Barcelona's hierarchy intend to offer the playmaker a new long-term contract over the coming months, potentially waiting until the end of the season.

His last contract extension came back in October 2021, penning terms that keep him tied to last year's La Liga champions until 2026.

Barcelona's Pedri celebrates scoring against Girona on January 28, 2023© Reuters

Would contract extension be accepted during financial turmoil?

La Liga chief Javier Tebas has been consistent in acknowledging that Barcelona will be operating with a reduced salary cap for the 2024-25 campaign.

That effectively means Barcelona must substantially reduce their outgoings and sell players in order to meet the division's financial regulations.

How Barcelona may go about that remains to be seen, but the consensus is they would like to cash in on a player such as Ferran Torres, Raphinha or Ansu Fati, players who hold a high transfer value but are not necessarily a certain starter.

Sergi Roberto and Marcos Alonso could each depart the club on free transfers once their contracts expire in June, although neither player commands a big wage.

Barcelona may also attempt to facilitate longer stays for loan duo Joao Cancelo and Joao Felix, who appear unlikely to represent Manchester City or Atletico Madrid in the future.

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TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
CReal Madrid34276174225287
2GironaGirona34235673423174
3Barcelona34227570432773
4Atletico MadridAtletico34214963392467
5Athletic Bilbao341710755332261
6Real Sociedad341412848351354
7Real BetisBetis34131384339452
8Valencia34138133739-247
9Villarreal34129135658-245
10Getafe341013114147-643
11AlavesAlaves34118153238-641
12Sevilla341011134546-141
13Osasuna34116173751-1439
14Las PalmasLas Palmas34107173043-1337
15Celta Vigo34810164052-1234
16Rayo Vallecano34713142743-1634
17Mallorca34614142740-1332
18CadizCadiz34414162349-2626
19Granada3449213664-2821
RAlmeria34211213367-3417


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