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Barcelona midfielder Pedri addresses Paris Saint-Germain transfer talk

Barcelona midfielder Pedri addresses PSG transfer talk
© Reuters
Barcelona midfielder Pedri plays down reports that he could join Paris Saint-Germain before the end of the summer transfer window.

Barcelona midfielder Pedri has played down suggestions that he could join Paris Saint-Germain during this summer's transfer window.

Despite only being 20 years old, Pedri has already made 109 appearances for Barcelona, scoring 16 times and registering eight assists, having been a vital player since his arrival from Las Palmas in 2020.

The midfielder had his injury problems during the 2022-23 campaign but still managed to make 35 appearances in all competitions, scoring seven goals and registering one assist.

There have been claims that PSG are determined to sign Pedri this summer, with the French giants also closing in on a deal for his teammate Ousmane Dembele, but the youngster has said that it is "very unlikely" that he will leave 'the club of his dreams'.

"I'm not aware of offers for me. Many things have to happen for me to leave this club. I see it as very unlikely. Barca is the club of my dreams and I want to stay for many more years," he told La Vanguardia.

Pedri celebrates scoring for Barcelona on September 17, 2022© Reuters

Pedri has another three years left to run on his contract, having signed an extension in October 2021, and he is believed to be non-transferable despite Barcelona's financial problems.

"I feel I'm an important player. But I don't think anyone in the group is indispensable, we are all there to pull together. It's the collective that makes the difference," the midfielder added.

"I think that's the best thing that could happen to us. Having competition in midfield makes us great. At the end of the day, that's where Barcelona's game is played. Having so many people is a blessing for Xavi, who is the one who has to decide.

"We have a very good relationship with each other. We know that anyone can play and that individually puts you on your toes. Competition makes us and the team better.

"Last year I had to reach ten goals and ten assists. I didn't manage it. When I came back from the holidays Xavi told me that this year I had to reach that mark."

Barcelona's Pedri celebrates scoring against Girona on January 28, 2023© Reuters

Pedri is also confident that his time off this summer will help his body moving forward, having struggled with fitness problems last term due to the volume of football he had played over the last 12 months.

"I was aware that I was coming from a period in which I had a lot of injuries and I wanted to turn over a new leaf to be ready. I knew I had to stop and transform the negative energy that comes after an injury into positive vibes," he added.

"I came to the conclusion that you can't play so many games without stopping. You have to rest in order not to get injured. It's been a different summer. I prefer to be on the pitch. But I hadn't rested for a long time and I needed it to be fresher.

"Sometimes, even if you don't want to, you have to stop for a while, look at how you are, mentally disconnect from the routines of football and take care of yourself. I've followed the nutrition guidelines I was given and I've prepared myself physically."

Barcelona will round off their preparations for the 2023-24 campaign with a clash against Tottenham Hotspur for the Joan Gamper Trophy on August 8, with their La Liga season then beginning against Getafe on August 13.

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Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
CReal Madrid36296183226193
2Barcelona35237572432976
3GironaGirona36236775453075
4Atletico MadridAtletico36234967392873
5Athletic Bilbao361711858372162
6Real BetisBetis35141384641555
7Real Sociedad351412948371154
8Villarreal36149136060051
9Valencia35139133739-248
10Getafe361013134151-1043
11AlavesAlaves36119163445-1142
12Sevilla361011154750-341
13Osasuna36118174054-1441
14Rayo Vallecano36814142944-1538
15Celta Vigo36910174254-1237
16Las PalmasLas Palmas35107183044-1437
17Mallorca36715142941-1236
18CadizCadiz36614162549-2432
RGranada3649233770-3321
RAlmeria35211223570-3517


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