Liverpool face race against time to sign Barcelona youngster labelled ‘the next Messi’

This week could prove pivotal in determining the success of Liverpool’s season, with the Reds facing the task of overcoming a 3-1 first-leg defeat against Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter final on Wednesday. 

With Jurgen Klopp recently admitting it will be ‘almost impossible’ for his side to finish in the top-four, winning the Champions League this term could be the Reds’ only real chance of qualifying fo next year’s tournament, and also represents their last remaining chance of silverware this season.

The prospect of failing to qualify for the Champions League could be disastrous in more than one way for Klopp’s side, with several senior players rumoured to be planning a move away from Anfield if Liverpool are not in the competition next season.

This could force Klopp to turn to the transfer market once again, and it appears that he already has his sights set on one of Europe’s most talented youngsters.

According to Daily Star, Liverpool are keen on signing Barcelona’s 18-year-old attacking midfielder Pedri.

The youngster has enjoyed an outstanding breakthrough season at the Camp Nou, making 30 appearances in La Liga, and is considered to be one of the first names on Ronald Koeman’s team sheet.

However, the report says that Liverpool are against the clock in their efforts to sign the Spaniard, with the Catalan giants keen to extend the player’s contract and tie him down to an eye watering £350 million release clause.

Pedri has broken into the first-team under Ronald Koeman.

Currently, Pedri’s release clause stands at a more modest £70 million, a fee which Liverpool perceive as fair for one of Europe’s most enticing prospects.

However, with the player’s current deal due to expire next summer, it is understood that his club are keen on getting him tied down sooner rather than later.

This means that Liverpool face a race against time to reach an agreement for the player, who would currently be free to talk to other clubs if his current release clause was met.

The Spaniard has been likened to teammate Lionel Messi due to his playmaking abilities, and has played alongside the Argentine several times this season.

Pedri, a full Spain international, only joined Barca in 2019 after an agreement was reached with his former club Las Palmas.

However, if an agreement cannot be reached, the player could be free to leave on a free transfer as early as June 2022.