FC Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has hoped that Manchester United target Pedro doesna t leave the club, as he is part of their history now.
The 27-year-olda s future at Camp Nou has come under constant speculation this summer. Pedro made only 15 starts in the La Liga last season, as he has dropped down the pecking order following the arrival of Luis Suarez. The Spaniard is keen to regain regular first team action next season and is believed to be open to a move to another league this summer.
Liverpool and Chelsea were initially linked with Pedro in this transfer window. The Merseyside club were reportedly eyeing a move for the forward following the departure of Raheem Sterling to Manchester City. But Pedro is unlikely to join a club without Champions League football next season. Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has also ruled out the possibility of signing Pedro, as he feels that the club has enough depth in the role the Spaniard plays in.
Barcelona manager Luis Enrique has earlier stated that any club who wants to buy Pedro will have to meet his release-clause. Recent rumours stated that Manchester United are willing to activate the A?22 million release-clause in the Spanish Internationala s contract. This news popped up after Angel Di Maria was heavily linked with a move to PSG. The Argentine winger is close to joining the French club and United are looking at Pedro as his replacement.
Pedro is part of the club’s history: Barcelona president
Back in June, Pedro signed a new contract with the Catalan club, which runs till 2019. Club president Josep Bartomeu has hoped that they can retain Pedro, as he was part of squad which won Barcelonaa s first treble, followed by the second they managed to win last year.
“Pedro only recently renewed. Sometimes he doesn’t play much, that’s true, but he’s a part of the history of this club. He was part of the first treble, and now the second.” a Barcelona president told the club’s TV channel.
Bartomeu also hoped that the club can repeat their last seasona s success and also be the first club to defend their Champions League crown.
“We know it’s difficult but we’ll try to win everything. We’ve a great team to win the six titles.
“Hopefully we can repeat the Champions League win, which nobody has ever done. We have a team capable of doing it.” a He added.
Woodward has flown back to UK to complete the deal
Mirror are now reporting that Manchester United are close to completing the signature of Pedro and that Ed Woodward has flown back to Uk in order to seal the deal.
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a United executive vice-chairman flew back out to the US for talks with Pedroa s agent ahead of the friendly with Barca in San Jose, which the Reds won 3-1.
a Woodward has since flown back to the UK and it is understood United are ready to meet Pedroa s release clause of A?22 million to complete the deal.a – David McDonnell wrote for the Mirror.
If and when this deal completes, it will take Manchester Uniteda s spending this summer past A?100 million. Louis van Gaal will now have a lot of pressure on him to deliver next season.