Barcelona in humiliating transfer link that is ‘very damaging’ for Pedri

Robin Bairner

• 19 Jan 2024 14:49 GMT
• 3 min read

Barcelona have been told that their “only viable option” for the January transfer window is to sign former Manchester United attacker Jesse Lingard in a move that would represent a terrific blow to Pedri.

Lingard is presently a free agent having spent six months without a club following his release from Nottingham Forest last summer.

He has reportedly offered his services to the Camp Nou side and now it is claimed that if Xavi agrees to his arrival, Barcelona president Joan Laporta is ready to sign off on the deal as the embattled Camp Nou outfit seek a replacement for the long-term injured Gavi.

Don Balon reports: “The president, aware that the economic crisis continues to take its toll on the club, only has one viable option ahead of him: Jesse Lingard.”

It is stated that Xavi has proposed other options, but these have been dismissed by the management of the club.

The head coach, though, appears underwhelmed by Laporta’s solution, with the report going on to state: “The coach will have to settle – if he wants anyone at all – with a footballer who has been without a team for six months and who, to be frank, has never shown enviable talent.”

Even if Xavi says no to this deal, it is a reminder of just how far Barcelona have fallen in recent times that they are scrapping to sign a player released after falling to substitute status at a club that only missed Premier League relegation by four points last season.

Pedri warned

If Lingard does arrive at Barcelona, it is warned the situation come become “very damaging” for Pedri.

The attacking midfielder is experiencing a complicated season in terms of fitness and form, and the report claims that if Lingard were to sign, this would be back for Pedri’s “personal interests”.

The attacking midfielder has already been associated with a move away from the club in 2024, with Arsenal and Manchester United both linked with him.