Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu appears to have put the dampeners on Manchester United‘s chances of signing Pedro, reports the Daily Express.
The recently-elected Nou Camp chief has claimed that he doesn’t foresee any further departures from the club, meaning that the Red Devils may struggle to get their man. It had been claimed that a deal was already agreed for the 27-year-old, with £22 million being the fee [Daily Star].
However, it’s not impossible that a move could still be on, as the fee meets the player’s release clause, according to the Express. This could mean the Blaugrana would have no option but to accept the offer. With the Spain international keen on a move [Marca], this could be enough to force a transfer.
“The team is what it is,” the club president said, “it has been put together. We have the team that our coach wanted – it’s done and completed.
“We don’t foresee any departures from the team. I’ve read many things about a Pedro departure, but no one has officially addressed our club. Our squad is complete.”
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If what Bartomeu says is true, then it will be a major blow for United, with Louis van Gaal still looking likely to require reinforcements for various aspects of his squad.
They could find themselves short if Angel Di Maria completes a mooted move to PSG [The Guardian]. Pedro would have been a great replacement for the Argentina international, being able to play on either wing, and would be able to contribute the experience of having won many major competitions.
However, with Memphis Depay having already arrived at Old Trafford this summer, van Gaal may already have a ready-made replacement to take over from Di Maria.
During the last campaign, the 21-year-old scored 22 goals in 30 Eredivisie matches, largely playing on the left like Di Maria did at United. Should Memphis manage anywhere close to this tally in the EPL, then United and van Gaal are unlikely to miss the departing Argentina international too much.