Barcelona lead Real Madrid in race to sign ‘the next Pedri’ – report

Just a day after reports emerged that Barcelona and Real Madrid were battling to sign Racing Santander starlet Pablo Torre, a fresh update from MARCA is claiming that the Catalans have taken a lead over their arch-rivals in pursuit of the 18-year-old prodigy.

Torre came through the ranks at Racing Santander and made his first-team breakthrough back in 2020. While he enjoyed a fairly productive debut season, the teenager has stepped up his game in the ongoing campaign, racking up six goals and seven assists in 23 matches.

The attacking midfielder has also impressed for the Spanish U-19 team, bagging three goals in six appearances. His performances and style of play has led to comparisons with Barcelona and Spain mainstay Pedri and it seems the Catalans are now leading the race to sign him up.

As per the report, Real Madrid were the first one to make an approach for Torre before Christmas and even met with the player and his family in January as they became aware of Barça’s rising interest.

The Merengues were even willing to make a significant financial commitment to lure him to La Fabrica. However, the Blaugrana have eked ahead in the race, with the report claiming that manager Xavi Hernandez’s presence has been a major factor in it.

Under the 42-year-old manager, the likes of Pedri, Gavi, Nico Gonzalez, Ez Abde have enjoyed a lot of progress at Camp Nou in recent months. So, it could have played on the minds of the young Torre, while it also helps that he happens to have the same agent as Xavi.

Furthermore, it is claimed that Real Madrid have some doubts over his long-term success, which could have tipped the scales in favour of Barcelona.

The 18-year-old has a release clause worth €10 million, but there is an acceptance that a lower fee would be negotiated. A deal similar to Pedri’s, which was worth €5 million initially but can rise to €20 million due to bonuses and variables, could be the solution.

And while Barcelona may be in the lead, there is still plenty of competition apart from Real Madrid in Real Sociedad, Ajax, Arsenal and FC Twente. As things stand, though, Xavi’s presence seems to be benefitting the Catalans in the transfer market.