Barcelona midfielder Pedri signed a five-year contract, the Catalan club confirmed on Friday. A release clause of 1 billion euros was added in the contractual terms, the highest in the club’s history. Barcelona president Joan Laporta expressed his joy by saying that it was the happiest day of his second presidential tenure.
“I’d say it’s the happiest day since I’ve taken up the presidency.”
Laporta told a news conference,
The 59-year-old admitted that winning the Copa del Rey last season was one of the highs of his second tenure as Barcelona president. However, Pedri’s contract renewal gives him more happiness as it is a historic day for the five-time Champions League winners.
The club’s president also added that he reckons the 18-year-old is worth more than his release clause.
He also defended himself after facing criticism from former president Josep Bartomeu by saying that he is not focusing on the opinions of a “desperate person who is now realising the magnitude of the disaster he is responsible for.”
Pedri enjoyed a splendid breakthrough campaign at Camp Nou last season. The sheer amount of games he has played suggests how important he is to the club. The midfielder carried his form over to the Euros, where he was arguably Spain’s standout player.
Pedri’s exploits for both the club and the national team have caught the attention of fans across the world. He is nominated for the Ballon d’Or, Trophee Kopa and Golden Boy and is a massive favourite to bag the latter.
The Blaugrana are currently ninth on the La Liga table after an indifferent start to their season. They are in a spot of bother in the UEFA Champions League as well, with two back-to-back losses 3-0 at the hands of Bayern Munich and Benfica.
