The Catalans have entered advanced talks with their 18-year-old sensation over a new contract until 2026, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The Spaniard’s monumental rise from Segunda to the Barcelona first team and the national team has been well documented. His performances over the past season won him many plaudits as well as the best young player award at the 2020 Euro.
Subsequently, Pedri was named in the 30-man shortlist for the 2021 Ballon d’Or at the age of 18, while he is among the favourites to win the 2021 Golden Boy award and the Kopa Award.
Despite playing a key role for the Blaugrana last season, Pedri was among the lowest earners at the club. The club’s decision to reward the teenager with a new deal will rectify that.
Barcelona are also expected to insert a one billion euros worth release clause in Pedri’s new contract. A mandatory requirement in Spain, Pedri’s current release clause will almost double in value once he signs the new deal. Barcelona have previously added massive release clauses in player contracts to circumvent the Spanish law.
After securing Pedri, Barcelona will work to secure the future of another one of their brightest young prospects – Ansu Fati. The Spaniard similarly broke through into the first team at the age of 17, before suffering an injury that kept him out for most of the last season.
Fati returned to full training recently and scored on his return to the first team against Levante. Romano reports that the club has entered the final stages for Fati’s extension and that the talks are ongoing with his representative Jorge Mendes.
17-year-old Gavi, centre-back Ronald Araujo, and winger Ousmane Dembele are thought to be next in line at Barcelona for renewals as the club looks to secure its young core.
