Liverpool could be set to make a costly transfer error this summer with the signing of Barcelona’s Pedri.
According to The Mirror, FSG have made their interest in the young Spaniard clear, with Barcelona set to hand him a new contract in an effort to ward off any overtures.
Whilst the 18-year-old is of course a promising talent, bringing him to Anfield would be a mistake.
As it stands, Liverpool do not need any more midfield recruits. Competition for starting berths on Merseyside is incredibly fierce with the likes of Fabinho, Georginio Wijnaldum, Thiago Alcantara, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Naby Keita, James Milner, Curtis Jones and Jordan Henderson all options.
Judging from just that, it is clear that Klopp does not need any more additions in that department even if Georginio Wijnaldum departs as is expected.
Will Wijnaldum leave Liverpool?
Yes, he’s off!
No, he will sign a new contract!
Should Pedri be considered as the Dutchman’s potential replacement at Anfield, it would be somewhat baffling.
According to WhoScored, the current Reds’ midfielder attempts more shots, dribbles and loses the ball on fewer occasions per game this season.
Wijnaldum also has a far better pass completion rate of 92.3% compared to Pedri’s 87.7%.
Whilst it could be argued that the Spaniard will improve being only 18, he is simply not the immediate option that Liverpool require should they harbour ambitions of replacing Wijnaldum in the summer.
The price that it would take to bring Pedri to Anfield should also be enough for FSG to walk away from any potential deal.
At his young age, he is already rated at £63m so it is likely to take a similar fee to be able to prise him out of Barcelona. Considering there are departments that need far more pressing investment in Jurgen Klopp’s squad, spending that amount on a player who is unlikely to be first choice seems unfeasible.
Liverpool then should move on and leave Pedri to sign his new Barca contract instead of pursuing a transfer.
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