Ronald Koeman blocked the transfer of Barcelona’s jewel last summer

According to a report published by Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona were close to letting Pedri leave for Bayern Munich as part of a loan deal, but the transfer was blocked by Ronald Koeman, who was impressed by his performances in training.

The 18-year-old was signed from Las Palmas for a meagre amount of €5 million, which is turning out to be a huge bargain. However, Barcelona were not the only team in race for Pedri’s signature, with Bayern interested even then, along with Borussia Monchengladbach.

Ramon Planes, Barcelona’s first-team secretary, was quick to close the deal, as Bayern Munich sporting director, Hasan Salihamidzic, was closely tracking the Spaniard’s situation in the Spanish second division.

Since signing for Barcelona, Pedri has gone from being loan-listed by Koeman to becoming a first-team regular after a series of spectacular training displays. In fact, he has overtaken ‘superstars’ like Antoine Griezmann and Philippe Coutinho in the pecking order. So much so, he might be in for a spot for the Euros 2021, which was addressed by Ronald Koeman in his pre-game press conference.

This news breaks out on the back of a Man of the Match display against Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday where he scored Barcelona’s equaliser and then assisted Lionel Messi to take the lead. The six-time Ballon d’Or winner seems to be combining spectacularly with the teenager and could become the reason Messi stays at Barcelona.