How AC Milan lost €1 billion Barcelona star
AC Milan had the chance to sign Spanish star midfielder Pedri much earlier than Barcelona reveals former sporting director.
Barcelona central midfielder Pedri has just renewed his contract with the Spanish giants until June 2026. One aspect that has caused much noise is the release clause included in the new agreement, worth a good 1 billion euros.
A symbolic figure of course but which demonstrates how much Barcelona believe in the potential of the 18-year-old emerging star. Despite his young age Pedri is already a regular starter in the Spanish national team and one of the most valuable players in Europe.
Under these conditions hardly any club can snatch Pedri from Barcelona. Yet in the past he was very close to joining AC Milan as revealed by former Rossoneri sporting director Rocco Maiorino.
At that time, Maiorino was sporting director of Las Palmas when a young Pedri was showing his potential. Despite not being part of the first squad the Spaniard attracted attention for his qualities and elegant play style.
“When I was in Las Palmas I understood Pedri’s qualities. He had not yet played in the first team and had not even made his debut in the youth national teams. But he was already very popular. Out of affection for my old club I called him AC Milan to suggest Pedri but Barcelona had more faith in him and moved in advance“, says Maiorini in an interview with Corriere dello Sport.
AC Milan followed the talented midfielder but didn’t act quickly to secure his services. At the end, Pedri joined Barcelona on an initial €5 million deal that should have gone up to €30 million with add-ons and commission included in the final fee.
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