Spain and Barcelona midfielder Pedri has signed a new long-term contract with Barcelona that will tie him down at Camp Nou for the next five years.
The 18-year-old had less than 12 months remaining on his current contract although the club did have the option to extend that deal by a further two seasons.
Nevertheless, the Catalans have instead opted to push ahead and secure him to entirely fresh terms, with the talented midfielder committing himself to the La Liga giants until 2026.
A Barcelona statement seen by SportsLeo read, “FC Barcelona and the player Pedro ‘Pedri’ Gonzalez have reached an agreement to renew his contract until June 30, 2026. The termination clause is set at €1billion.”
Pedri has experienced a rapid rise since joining Barcelona from Las Palmas last year, establishing himself as a key player after initially being signed for the Blaugrana’s B team, stepping up to the senior side after impressing Ronald Koeman in his first pre-season.
Spain midfielder Pedri in a past match for Barcelona. | PHOTO: Courtesy |
Indeed, Koeman used Pedri in 37 top-flight games last term, not using him only once with only Frenkie de Jong who also managed 37 playing as many matches for the Catalan club.
The youngster ranked seventh among outfield players at the club in terms of LaLiga minutes as well (2,428), while De Jong (3,159) and Sergio Busquets (2,527) were the only midfielders to spend longer on the pitch for Barca.
Many comparisons have been drawn between Pedri and Barca’s great Andres Iniesta due to the former’s nimble stature and passing ability.
Only four team-mates – Lionel Messi, De Jong, Busquets, and Jordi Alba – completed more opposition-half passes than Pedri (1,100), last season.
The teenager playmaker has also shown his class at the international level, impressing for Spain at Euro 2020 and going on to win a silver medal at the Tokyo Olympic Games immediately after the Euros.
The Barcelona youngster Pedri, plays for the Spain national team. | PHOTO: Courtesy |
At both tournaments, the Tenerife-born player completed more passes ending in the final third than any other player – making 83 in Japan and 177 in his first senior major tournament.
In fact, at Euro 2020 Pedri became only the second European player aged 18 or younger to start as many as five matches in a major tournament, and his last-16 appearance against Croatia made him the youngest player to ever start a knockout game in the European Championship.
Barca, now they have tied down one of their key assets, will be hoping to also agree to new long-term deals with the likes of Ansu Fati, Gavi, and Ronald Araujo as they look upon the youth to strengthen their squad, not just now but in the future.
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