Pedro Ledesma has been given a one-season extension to his original contract at FC Barcelona, his new deal running through the 2016 term. The 23-year-old Spanish winger joins Thiago Alcantara who was also given an extension last month, though the latter one hasn’t gotten to make too many appearances with the first team. Pedro, who has scored 25 goals in 75 games with the Catalans, has been given a lot of credit as he is expected to help Pep Guardiola’s side to extend their hegemony across both Spain and Europe. Winner of three Spanish titles, a King’s Cup, two UEFA Champions trophies, one Super Cup and one FIFA Club World Cup, Pedro managed to defend the title twice, this term’s success being his third straight domestic one on Camp Nou.
Foto Source: 3.bp.blogspot.com
Pedro’s release clause improved with 60 million euros. “FC Barcelona has announced an agreement with Pedro Rodríguez for him to stay at the Club for one more season, until June 30, 2016. His buy-out clause has been increased from 90 to 150 million euros,“ a club statement read. Pedro finished the past season with 23 goals in all competitions, having gathered 52 appearances. Overall, the Spaniard has scored 45 goals since 2004 when he joined the club. His many qualities have transformed the winger in one of the main cornerstones for Guardiola’s side with whom he won both the UCL trophy and the league title this year. Even more than that, the player opened the score in the big Champions League final against Manchester Untied whom Barca crashed 30 on Wembley.
Unfortunately, the Catalans failed to grab the Cope del Rey as Real Madrid edged the arch-rivals 1-0 in the final. They did instead manage to oust Jose Mourinho’s side from the UCL semi finals and beat them 5-0 in the first leg of La Liga. FC Barcelona are now expecting Arsenal’s answer concerning Cesc Fabregas’s return to Camp Nou. The Catalans insists on midfielder’s move back to Camp Nou, though the two sides haven’t come to an agreement so far this transfer window. Arsene Wenger is keen to keep the Spaniard on the Emirates despite Cesc’s desire to return home. Arsenal just lost Gael Clichy and are likely to lose Samir Nasri, too. Manchester City gave the French a four-year deal after eight not too successful years on the Emirates. The lack of trophies have already made the French playmaker to consider his departure from London, Manchester being a potential destination, though neither of the two sides have confirmed any move.
Furthermore, Arsenal are to fight for a UEFA Champions League group stage spot as the Gunners finished the season fourth in the Premier League standings, allowing the Eastlands side guarantee their first presence of the last two decades.
