Ramon Planes reveals Barcelona’s week‑long Pedri signing

Former FC Barcelona sporting director Ramon Planes, now at Saudi club Al‑Ittihad, told Juanma Castano on COPE how the Catalan giants secured Pedri’s signature in just one week. The transfer was accelerated before the midfielder’s official debut for the Segunda División.

Barcelona spotted Pedri while he was still a youth player at Las Palmas, prompting an early scouting mission. The decisive observation came during two Marbella matches, including a tribute game for Ruben Castro that featured Real Betis against Las Palmas.

Ramon Planes said, “We broke all the theories of big data,” emphasizing that Pedri’s qualities surpassed statistical projections. He added, “Other major clubs in Spain also had information on Pedri,” underscoring the competitive interest.

Plans admitted, “We thought that if he started playing in the Segunda Division, we’d already be too late,” reflecting the urgency to act before his professional breakthrough. He explained that once Pedri debuted, competition for his signature would intensify and the price would rise.

Barcelona’s internal strategy required a decision before Pedri’s official debut, an unusually rapid process for a future star.

Planes argued that Pedri’s natural position is as an advanced central midfielder, a number eight, where he can influence possession and the final third. He stated, “He should play managing the ball and creating, but close to the penalty area,” describing the ideal role.

Pedri has become an indispensable engine of Hansi Flick’s Barcelona side, combining intelligence and composure. Representing Spain at the 2026 World Cup, he is expected to play a pivotal role for Luis de la Fuente’s La Roja.