Barcelona 'preparing new contract for Spanish midfielder'

Barcelona reportedly have plans to hand a new long-term contract to Pedri.

Of all the academy graduates to be promoted into the first-team ranks in recent years, there is an argument that the midfielder has been the most successful.

The 21-year-old has contributed 18 goals and 13 assists from his 134 appearances in all competitions, with his game time only limited through injury.

That was seemingly a consequence of his energy-sapping first full campaign with Barcelona in 2020-21, when Pedri made 52 appearances when his 18th birthday was only in November of that season.

While his game time has been restricted since that initial emergence, Pedri remains a key member of the senior ranks at Camp Nou.

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Pedri serves reminder of ability

Pedri showcased his qualities in his first appearance in more than a month earlier this week, coming off the substitutes' bench to produce a superlative assist for Raphinha's second goal against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League.

Barcelona's priority will now be on ensuring that the Spain international remains fit to add to his 17 starts and seven substitute outings for the 2023-24 campaign, particularly in continental competition.

Nevertheless, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, club officials are working behind the scenes in order to retain Pedri's services in the long term.

Romano claims that Barcelona's hierarchy intend to offer the playmaker a new long-term contract over the coming months, potentially waiting until the end of the season.

His last contract extension came back in October 2021, penning terms that keep him tied to last year's La Liga champions until 2026.

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Would contract extension be accepted during financial turmoil?

La Liga chief Javier Tebas has been consistent in acknowledging that Barcelona will be operating with a reduced salary cap for the 2024-25 campaign.

That effectively means Barcelona must substantially reduce their outgoings and sell players in order to meet the division's financial regulations.

How Barcelona may go about that remains to be seen, but the consensus is they would like to cash in on a player such as Ferran Torres, Raphinha or Ansu Fati, players who hold a high transfer value but are not necessarily a certain starter.

Sergi Roberto and Marcos Alonso could each depart the club on free transfers once their contracts expire in June, although neither player commands a big wage.

Barcelona may also attempt to facilitate longer stays for loan duo Joao Cancelo and Joao Felix, who appear unlikely to represent Manchester City or Atletico Madrid in the future.