Football News

Liverpool get brush off as 18-year-old sensation maps out future with Barcelona

Barcelona’s teenage midfield sensation Pedri fully intends to sign a new contract at the Camp Nou and snub interest from elsewhere, according to a report.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is likely to be the man most disappointed with the news.

The German boss has been keeping tabs on the 18-year-old, reportedly since 2019.

Mundo Deportivo recently claimed that Liverpool were once again eyeing the player, whose contract situation in Spain is not cut and dried.

OK Diario journalist Eduardo Inda then appeared on El Chiringuito (via Sport Witness) to state the Reds were plotting an ambitious move for Pedri in a potentially-explosive deal.

Now Mundo report that Pedri, whose Barca deal is due to expire next summer, is fully focused on Barca.

Ronald Koeman’s side can activate a two-year option until June 2024. But, as per Mundo, Barca are not keen to do that given the teenager’s superb progress. Instead they are hoping to tie the youngster to a new lucrative, long-term deal. And Pedri wants to pledge his future to the club.

He only arrived in the summer of 2020 for €5m from Las Palmas, but he was a key player for the Catalan giants during the 2020-21 campaign. He made a staggering 52 appearances in all competitions and contributed four goals and six assists.

 

The transfer fee from Las Palmas was also dependent on a number of add-ons and already those have taken the deal to the 15m mark. And his continued upward curve could see the deal hit around 35m.

Youngsters set for cup roles

Elswehere, Liverpool Under-23s boss Barry Lewtas has offered a hint about two rising star talents making a first-team appearance against Norwich on Tuesday.

The Reds travel to Carrow Road for the second time this season, this time in the Carabao Cup. While Mohamed Salah got himself among the goals in August’s Premier League opener, he could enjoy a rest.

In fact, several of Liverpool’s senior stars will likely sit out a portion, if not all, of the game.

They have had a busy week, starring in 3-0 wins over Leeds and Crystal Palace. What’s more, they played in the 3-2 Champions League win over AC Milan.

 

As such, the Carabao Cup tie could hand a chance for some of Liverpool’s younger stars. On Sunday, attacker Kaide Gordon and versatile right-back Conor Bradley were not in the squad.

Asked after the 4-0 defeat to Leeds Under-23s about the duo featuring against Norwich, Lewtas jokingly said (via This is Anfield) to “ask the manager about that one”.

He then added “no comment”. Gordon has played twice for Liverpool’s Under-23s this term, netting on both occasions. Bradley has also played twice, at right-back, amid his ability to play as a midfielder.

Tyler Morton may also get an appearance for the first team against Norwich. He only played 45 minutes against Leeds.

READ MORE: Player causing ‘ecstasy’ at new side as Anfield extension is questioned

 

The post Liverpool get brush off as 18-year-old sensation maps out future with Barcelona appeared first on TEAMtalk.