Barcelona dealt Alberto Moliero transfer blow as Real Madrid and Liverpool hint dropped

Robin Bairner

• 3 Mar 2023 16:50 CST
• 3 min read

Barcelona have been dealt a major blow in their hopes of landing Las Palmas prospect Albert Moreiro, a 19-year-old who has been widely dubbed as the ‘next Pedri’.

It has been widely reported that Xavi wants to add a player of similar qualities to the Spain international to his ranks in the summer, but the hunt for Moreiro promises to hit a dead end of the Catalans, with the Segunda Division side hinting that there is interest from both Liverpool and Real Madrid.

PROFILE: Who is Alberto Moleiro? The Las Palmas wonderkid wanted by Barca

Barca have been linked with the youngster for more than a year, and Las Palmas have now confirmed that they actually had a deal in place with the Camp Nou side over the midfielder in 2022 only for it to breakdown over the La Liga leader’s Financial Fair Play (FFP) issues.

“I haven't talked to Barça about Moleiro since last summer. There was an agreement in principle with Barça last summer, but Financial Fair Play didn't allow us to find a solution,” Miguel Angel Ramirez said.

“Barca like Moleiro, but nowadays he is in a showcase where big European teams are interested in signing him. We have not talked to Barca since last summer.

MORE: Barcelona's plight stopped them signing 'next Pedri'

“Right now, there are advanced conversations with other teams regarding Moleiro, where the player could possibly end up.

“Apart from Barca and Real Madrid, there are other teams interested in signing Moleiro... Several teams in England, for example.”

Which clubs want Alberto Moliero

Liverpool have been linked with a move for Moreira for several weeks, and given their midfield problems, it is little surprise that they are looking at such a promising player.

Meanwhile, Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United are other leading clubs in the market for a midfield, though no direct linked with Moleiro has yet been drawn, while it would be little surprise if a club such as Newcastle held an interest in the burgeoning young star.

Moliero has an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €2.9 million but given the volume and stature of teams interested in him, he is likely to go for a far greater sum.