Barcelona have decided to give Pedri two weeks’ holiday after the game against Athletic Club on Saturday.
Due to the break, the young midfielder will not be available for the club’s next game, on Sunday 29 August against Getafe at Camp Nou. Pedri has played 74 matches over the course of the 2020/21 season and into the new season for Barcelona and the Spanish national team, featuring in both the European Championship and the Olympic Games.
Ronald Koeman considers it vital that the player has a fortnight’s rest in order to recover sufficiently and return to his best. Koeman acknowledged having already spoken to Spain manager Luis Enrique to get this permission for Pedri, so it seems that there will be no problem for the 18-year-old to enjoy a two-week holiday and miss the international break, before returning for the match against Sevilla at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán on Saturday 11 September.
Catalan outlet Sport also reveals that negotiations are currently underway to extend and improve the Canary Islander’s contract, which could be finalised by September. Pedri could sign a new deal until 2026. Unlike in the case of Ilaix Moriba, there is a good understanding between the club and the agents and the player’s desire is to continue with the Blaugrana. His current contract with the Camp Nou outfit runs until 30 June 2022.
