How Pedro's big move has secured the future of one Spanish third-division club

Four hundred thousand Euros won’t cover a month’s wages for the world’s best soccer players, but for one Spanish third division club, that relative windfall — its proceeds from Pedro Rodriguez’s move from Barcelona to Chelsea — could mean a new future, one that’s debt-free and stable.

That’s because the €410,000 Tenerife club Raqui San Isidro will receive from the attacker’s sale will allow it to repay its debt to the Spanish government (€22,000) as well as an outstanding bank loan (€80,000) – small amounts, but huge commitments at a level where clubs struggle to meet their day-to-day commitments. With the rest of its windfall, Raqui can invest in property that will ensure the club has a safety net against future troubles.

That kind of security seems a long stretch for 1.5 percent of a player’s transfer fee, but Rodriguez’s price was reported to be €27 million, with an additional three million possible in potential add-ons. While Barcelona will see the bulk of that money, a sliver of the proceeds will travel from Chelsea’s accounts, to the Spanish federation, and into the coffers of the Spanish Segunda Division B club.

The scant figure could prove a godsend for a player who was never heavily scouted. According to AS.com, Barcelona signed Pedro in 2003 while pursuing Jeffren Suárez, who was then playing for CD Tenerife. At the invitation of that club’s president, Barcelona’s head of scouting attended a tournament on the island only to see Pedro star for a collection of local players. After eight anonymous years training in the Raqui system, the 16-year-old was scooped up by one of the world’s most famous clubs.

After spending five years between Barcelona’s academy, C and B teams, Pedro was brought into Barça’s senior team by Pep Guardiola. In the seven years that followed, Pedro scored 99 goals, won five league titles, four Spanish Cups, three UEFA Champions League and, while with Spain, a World Cup and European Championship. In all, Pedro won 20 major honors during his seven years in blaugrana.

SEE MORE: Pedro targets silverware with Chelsea.

Squeezed for playing time at Barcelona, Pedro has moved to England, joining Chelsea this week. The deal’s biggest winner, however, may be the club he’s long left behind. While €410,000 may only cover a fraction of the wages Pedro will earn at Stamford Bridge, it will allow Raqui San Isdro to clear their debts, invest in property on the island’s coast, and be able to survive off rent generated from the property’s apartments.

Economically, it’s the ultimate trickle down effect, from the lofty heights of Chelsea and Barcelona to the humble realities of Spain’s third division. But it’s also a reminder: for most clubs, a sliver is more than enough. Nearly 12 years after seeing him go, Raqui have received their Pedro Rodriguez windfall.