Barcelona sporting director Robert Fernandez has confirmed to Spanish television that Pedro has asked to leave the club. The Spain international was subsequently left out of Luis Enrique’s starting eleven for today’s UEFA Super Cup against Sevilla.
Earlier today, reports emanating from Spain speculated Pedro’s transfer to Manchester United was “imminent”, with the expectation being that an official announcement and presentation could take place either tomorrow or Thursday in England.
“Pedro has told me he wants to go,” Barcelona sporting director told TV3, before confirming that the player would start on the bench for tonight’s match against Sevilla in Tbilisi.
The official later told BeINSPORTS: “Pedro’s clause is not negotiable, but this could be his last game.”
The timing of Pedro’s decision came as a surprise to many. It had been expected that the forward would start against Sevilla today before ultimately joining United at the conclusion of the competition.
Last week, it was reported that the two clubs had reached a £22.3 million agreement for the transfer of Pedro, all that remained was for the player to agree to personal terms with United.
Barcelona officials had held hopes that Pedro would have a change of heart and remain with the Catalan club – or at least delay his decision further – following this weekend’s news that Neymar would miss the next two weeks with the mumps.
However, it seems the player has been lured to England by the promise of more playing time with United. The Spain international had been concerned that a lack of playing time under Luis Enrique was hurting his chances of being included in La Roja’s squad for the upcoming Euro 2016.
Pedro has been all but guaranteed a starting role alongside Wayne Rooney and Memphis Depay in manager Louis van Gaal’s starting eleven.
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