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Liverpool interested in £70m La Liga ace – talks previously held with his agent – Thiago says he’s old school

BARCELONA, SPAIN - MAY 16: Pedri of FC Barcelona looks on during the La Liga Santander match between FC Barcelona and RC Celta at Camp Nou on May 16, 2021 in Barcelona, Spain.

Liverpool have reportedly been in talks with Barcelona’s Pedri over a move to Anfield and Thiago Alcantara says the Spaniard is part of the old guard.

Pedri is the latest in a long line of youngsters to shine under the lights of the Camp Nou.

Able to play from the left wing or as an attacking midfielder, he’s been a revelation for the Blaugrana.

He has also managed to make the transition to the national team, collecting three senior caps for his country.

SEVILLE, SPAIN - MARCH 31: Pedri of Spain looks on during the FIFA World Cup 2022 Qatar qualifying match between Spain and Kosovo at Estadio Olimpico on March 31, 2021 in Seville, Spain.

SEVILLE, SPAIN – MARCH 31: Pedri of Spain looks on during the FIFA World Cup 2022 Qatar qualifying match between Spain and Kosovo at Estadio Olimpico on March 31, 2021 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

Now, Liverpool appear to be after his signature, as per Mundo Deportivovia Daily Star, who suggests that Liverpool are interested in signing Pedri this summer and have put him on their list of transfer targets following Gini Wijnaldum’s move to Paris Saint-Germain.

Klopp will battle to sign the teenager as he allegedly has a £70m release clause but after the Mirror claimed in April that Liverpool spoke to the player’s agents, there is certainly an interest in the player.

A £70 million release clause sounds expensive, but given his age and ceiling, it could prove to be a bargain.

Whilst technically gifted, he isn’t afraid of hard work, a quality Jurgen Klopp always looks for in his players. His pressing numbers in particular are excellent.

BILBAO, SPAIN - JANUARY 6: Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona celebrates 1-2 with Pedri of FC Barcelona during the La Liga Santander match between Athletic de Bilbao v FC Barcelona at the Estadio San Mames on January 6, 2021 in Bilbao Spain.

BILBAO, SPAIN – JANUARY 6: Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona celebrates 1-2 with Pedri of FC Barcelona during the La Liga Santander match between Athletic de Bilbao v FC Barcelona at the Estadio San Mames on January 6, 2021 in Bilbao Spain. (Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images)

Completing 23.3 pressures per 90, he’s an almost constant nuisance to other defenders when they have the ball. This will certainly interest Klopp. With four goals and six assists in 37 La Liga appearances this season, his offensive output could be better.

However, at 18, there’s plenty of room for improvement. He could also help plug the creative gap in Liverpool’s midfield.

Too often this season, Liverpool have once again struggled against low blocks. Pedri could help bring this to an end. With three shot-creating actions per 90 minutes, as well as averaging 3.39 penalty area touches per 90, he’s a threat in the box.

At 18, he’d join a growing younger contingent emerging for the Reds. Along with Trent Alexander-Arnold, Curtis Jones, Joe Gomez, and Harvey Elliot, he is another young player ready for first-team action.

HUESCA, SPAIN - JANUARY 03: Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona and Pedro 'Pedri' Gonzalez of FC Barcelona warms up prior the La Liga Santander match between SD Huesca and FC Barcelona at Estadio El Alcoraz on January 03, 2021 in Huesca, Spain.

HUESCA, SPAIN – JANUARY 03: Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona and Pedro ‘Pedri’ Gonzalez of FC Barcelona warms up prior the La Liga Santander match between SD Huesca and FC Barcelona at Estadio El Alcoraz on January 03, 2021 in Huesca, Spain. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

However, Barcelona don’t appear ready to lose their prized asset yet. The Catalan giants are reportedly looking to hand Pedri a new contract, complete with a £350 million release clause.

This would, of course, make him practically unattainable for any club in football. Given Pedri’s contract runs out in 2022, this is obviously a crucial decision for him.

With his quality, he’s ready even at his tender age to be a starter for most clubs in European football. Can this new Barcelona, in such turbulent times, and with a resurgent Real Madrid on the horizon, match his ambitions?

Liverpool and other clubs will certainly be hoping he’s eyeing opportunities away from the Nou Camp.

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