FC Barcelona play against Las Palmas in their first match of 2024, which will take place on 5th January. Barcelona will clearly be the favorites in this match, but in the days leading up to and after this game, there is one particular Barcelona player whom the Canarians will be watching closely.
This player in question is Pedri Gonzalez, and this interest from Las Palmas will have very little to do with the game itself. Pedri developed at the academy at Las Palmas, and was signed by the Blaugranes even before he had been promoted to the first team.’
However, the player had already shown his talent and skills enough by that time to convince Barcelona to pay €5 million for a 17-year-old player. This investment proved to be a highly profitable business for Barcelona, as Pedri has now grown to become one of the best players in Spain.
Meanwhile, Las Palmas were also not left on the losing side, as they have some variables that Pedri is near to achieving, and which can significantly boost the Canary Islanders’ coffers.
In addition to the fixed €5 million, Las Palmas has got money for meeting four of the five variables, taking the total amount paid by Barcelona between €20-25 million.
Now, as Diario AS has reported, Pedri needs only to play at least 45 minutes in two more games in La Liga, Copa del Rey, or Champions League for Las Palmas to earn another €5 million from FC Barcelona.
Pedri has played at least 45 minutes in 98 games with Barcelona first team up to now; 42 in the 2020-21 season, 19 in the 2021-22 season, 29 in the 2022-23 season, and 8 in the 2023-24 season. Another two 45-minute appearances will take this tally to 100, and thus trigger the condition for further payment.
One of these appearances can come against Las Palmas itself, as Pedri, who is currently recovering from yet another muscle injury, is expected to be back for this game.
However, Xavi can decide to rest him against his former side, but his importance in the team means he will not need long to play his 100th 45-minute game for Barcelona once he recovers.