Bayern ready to launch monster bid to sign Pedri
Barcelona’s financial strength is set to be test by Bayern Munich, with reports suggesting the Bundesliga club are ready to break the bank to sign Pedri.
The 18-year-old is regarded as one of the hottest properties in world football, having burst onto the scene at Barca last season following a move from Las Palmas.
Pedri, though, appears to be suffering from his exploits during the 2020/21 campaign, which was extended deep into the summer due to his participation at Euro 2020 and the Olympics. He has managed only four appearances for Barca this season and is forecast to be out until Christmas due to a muscle injury.
Nevertheless, Pedri, who won the Golden Boy award, is expected to become a centrepiece to Xavi’s Barcelona plans. The teenager’s style is that of a classic Barcelona midfielder, with his ease on the ball and quality of pass already at the highest level. Indeed, he and Gavi are seen as the future of the club.
Why Barca have to consider Pedri bid
Barcelona’s financial situation, though, means that they need to consider bids for anyone. Presently more than €1 billion in debt, Barca have been restricted to signing players on free transfers this season, while their allocated wage bill is well below many of their rivals.
Although president Joan Laporta has been bullish over their prospects, sales are inevitable, although Pedri is clearly one asset that they do not wish to part with.
Bayern Munich, though, are ready to break their club record transfer fee in order to sign the young Spain international, according to AS.
The report states that they have already made their interest in signing Pedri clear to the player’s representatives and could launch a bid as early as January. However, a transfer next season is not ruled out either.
Bayern’s present club record fee is €80 million, which they spent signing Lucas Hernandez from Atletico Madrid in 2019. To sign Pedri, who has a release clause worth €1bn, they would clearly have to surpass that – and probably by some distance.
Pedri, meanwhile, is said to feel comfortable at Barcelona and is not going to push to depart.