Chelsea Agree £21m Deal for Barcelona’s Pedro
It’s been a turbulent couple of weeks for Chelsea (according to the media that is), with 1 point from 6 and Jose apparently losing trust from doctors, veteran defenders and half of the public. Newspapers and sports blogs can really stir the pot, doing absolutely anything to get people to read them. As we’ve mentioned earlier in the week, things haven’t started perfectly for Chelsea this season but there is no need to hit the big, red panic button just yet. Especially not with more good news this week.
Along with the signing of the exciting, young left back Baba Rahman earlier in the week, the future of the versatile forward Pedro has finally been resolved, with Chelsea agreeing a £21m deal with Barcelona – with Manchester United interested in the player it’s important to point out that the amount is less than the Marouane Fellaini buy out two seasons ago. United’s Ed Woodward clearly had a wasted trip over to Catalonia to seal the signing, something many people have ensured to mention on social media sites this afternoon. A bad week for the man; helping Sergio Ramos get a new contract at Real Madrid and letting Otamendi and Pedro go to his two biggest rivals. Pedro had already agreed personal terms with the club, but has still ended up moving to South West London. Reminders of the Willian / Spurs saga all over again.
The 28 year old Spaniard scored 99 goals in 326 appearances for Barcelona, and 50 appearances last season alone. His style includes consistently accurate short and long passing, rarely losing the ball, while his defensive contribution will have to rapidly progress to fit in with Jose Mourinho’s defensive expectations. Jose demands strong defensive duties from all of his players – and he’s happy to lay off anyone that doesn’t make the grade.
Pedro’s arrival will likely seal the loan out of Juan Cuadrado to Juventus, something I think is quite a shame. For me he still hasn’t started enough games for a fair representation of his skill. Whether he does stay or go, I must admit I’d feel much more confident with Pedro in the starting 11 – I think most would “Vote for Pedro”.
While Jose was keen to lead us to believe that his squad was complete and ready for the new season, some last minute transfers have been a welcome revision for most Chelsea fans, with at least one more player likely to join before the end of the month – the John Stones saga continues with yet another bid this week, and Lacazette and Griezmann rumours are still growing faster than Wayne Rooney’s waistline.
One last question that I can’t help think over and over…is Raheem Stirling worth over twice as much as Pedro? Surely not. In today’s crazy transfer and salary demands I can’t help but think that £21m is an absolute steal for such an experienced and sought after player – 3 Champions League’s and 5 La Liga’s included.
Bienvenida Pedro.
KTBFFH
