Chelsea’s attacking player, Joao Pedro, is reportedly preparing to have a conversation with his new coach, Xabi Alonso, concerning his future at the club. This comes at a time when speculation surrounding his departure is rife, with Barcelona showing significant interest in the Brazilian international. Notably, Joao Pedro was recently excluded from Carlo Ancelotti’s World Cup squad.
Initially, Barcelona had identified Julian Alvarez as their primary target for the summer transfer window, intending for him to succeed Robert Lewandowski. However, the Catalan club has reportedly shifted its focus to Joao Pedro for the time being. To strengthen their position in pursuing Alvarez, Barcelona needs him to express a desire to leave his current club, which he has yet to do. This strategic move to prioritize Pedro is seen as a way to exert pressure on Alvarez.
Joao Pedro’s Potential Barcelona Move
Joao Pedro appears to be open to a transfer to Barcelona, with intermediaries reportedly having made contact between the Spanish club and his agent. Sporting Director Deco is said to have informed Pedro that he is their top priority. Reports from El Chiringuito suggest that Joao Pedro plans to speak with Xabi Alonso in the coming days to convey his wish to join Barcelona. When questioned by the same outlet, Alonso responded cryptically, stating, “We’ll build a good team.”
Deco’s Stance on Joao Pedro
During Barcelona’s recent title celebration, Deco addressed the media, indicating that the club is not ruling out any potential striker targets and isn’t fixated on a specific profile. He humorously told Sport when asked about Joao Pedro, “You’re mistaken about Joao Pedro,” a comment that hasn’t been taken overly seriously by the Catalan press. Previous reports have indicated that Joao Pedro could command a transfer fee of up to €100 million, while Barcelona-based media outlets have estimated his price closer to €70 million.
Joao Pedro to Discuss Future with Xabi Alonso Amid Barcelona Interest
Chelsea forward Joao Pedro is set to discuss his future with new manager Xabi Alonso, amidst uncertainty. Barcelona have been heavily linked with the Brazilian international, who was recently overlooked for the World Cup by Carlo Ancelotti.
While Julian Alvarez was initially considered Barcelona’s priority to replace Robert Lewandowski, the club has reportedly shifted its focus to Pedro. Barcelona needs Alvarez to indicate a desire to move to strengthen their position, a step he has yet to take. This shift in focus is seen as a way to pressure him.
Joao Pedro seems keen on a move to Barcelona, following contacts between the club and his agent. Sporting Director Deco has allegedly informed him he is their priority target. El Chiringuito reports that Pedro will speak with Alonso soon to express his desire to move. Alonso, when asked, stated, “We’ll build a good team.”
Deco, at Barcelona’s title celebration, told the media they are considering all striker options without a specific profile. He humorously told Sport, “You’re mistaken about Joao Pedro,” though the Catalan press hasn’t given this much weight. Reports suggest Pedro could cost up to €100 million, with Barcelona-based media placing the figure closer to €70 million.
