Untouchable to saleable! Barcelona take shock transfer stance on Golden Boy Pedri after injury struggles

The 21-year-old midfielder, who claimed the prestigious Golden Boy award in 2021, is considered to be one of the hottest prospects in world football. He was charged with the task of helping to fill a Lionel Messi-shaped void at Camp Nou when the Argentine icon left for Paris Saint-Germain.

There is no doubting Pedri’s ability or potential, but he has missed over 50 per cent of Barca’s games through various fitness problems across the last three seasons. He is back on the sidelines at present, with no return date being set.

Barca are understandably keen to avoid another relapse, with the decision being taken not to undergo surgery, but concern is mounting in Catalunya. According to AS, that could lead to offers being listened to for the talented Spain international.

Pedri is tied to a long-term contract that includes a €1 billion (£855m/$1bn) release clause but, amid much-publicised financial struggles at Barcelona, it may be that he is allowed to move on if the right bid is presented as questions mount over his ability to steer clear of the treatment table – with a similar approach having been taken with Ansu Fati, who is currently on loan at Brighton.