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The FC Barcelona right-back has weighed in on the Spanish winger’s transfer situation, and has vowed to back Pedro regardless of the decision he ultimately makes.
Barcelona academy graduate and Spanish international Pedro has been linked with a move away from his boyhood club throughout the summer transfer window. Even as speculation regarding his future continues, team-mate Dani Alves has voiced his support for the 28-year-old.
With Pedro’s buy-out clause set at a meagre a 30 million, the Catalan giants are powerless to stop a potential move away, meaning the decision lies entirely with the Barcelona winger.
Dani Alves voices support for Pedro
Barcelona defender Dani Alves has vowed to respect Pedro’s decision regardless of what the Spain international opts to do, and has backed him to follow his heart amidst the speculation.
Speaking ahead of the club’s UEFA Super Cup meeting against Sevilla on Tuesday night, Alves is quoted by Goal UK as saying: “Ultimately the decisions don’t come to me, they are for other people.
“The more people interfere, the harder the decision is. Of course if I had to make the decision it would be for him to stay here for many more years. It’s down to him and his heart but if he stays we’ll be delighted, if not we’ll respect his decision.
“If you feel you’re not wanted at a club you have to go. Let’s hope he doesn’t make that decision.”
The Brazilian also addressed speculation regarding his own transfer, with rumours regarding a possible move away from Barcelona earlier in the summer.
“You say I had a foot out of the door, luckily it was my strongest foot so I’m back here,” Alves said. “I shall continue doing what I’ve always done, which is to give everything I can. Then things happen as the season progresses.”
Pedro U-turn extremely unlikely at this late stage
Given how the situation has played out over the summer, it would be extremely unlikely for Pedro to to make a u-turn and stay at Barcelona this summer. Given the lowering of the release clause in his contract, and the fact that he is being chased by Manchester United – who can easily pay the transfer fee – Barcelona have little say in the matter.
If the Spain international is to leave the club, Barcelona manager Luis Enrique would prefer his transfer to be sorted before the start of the season given how much focus the story is taking away from the team.
Although the La Liga giants will be a little short until January – when new signings Arda Turan and Aleix Vidal will be eligible to play for the club – Enrique appears to have given up on making any attempt to influence Pedro’s decision.
Sooner rather than later, it is likely that Pedro will depart for England’s shores.