Pedri’s transfer caused controversy at Barça

Former FC Barcelona sporting director Ramón Planes revealed that signing Spanish midfielder Pedri initially caused significant internal controversy at the club. Planes explained in an interview with Zona Mixta that several figures within Barcelona questioned the decision to spend 5 million euros on a 16-year-old from Las Palmas who had minimal second-division experience.

Planes noted that the criticism did not stem from upper management, but rather from other internal sectors who felt the move undermined Barcelona's renowned youth academy. Despite receiving critical messages, Planes remained convinced of the permanent transfer, and Pedri has since become a vital figure with 29 goals and 35 assists in 255 matches.