Barcelona Transfer News: Pedro Move Feared by Gerard Pique, Latest Rumours

Barcelona centre-back Gerard Pique fears Pedro Rodriguez's potential move to Manchester United will "weaken" the Catalan team's chances of success.

Pedro endured a frustrating 2014-15 season on the bench, playing behind Barca's unstoppable front three of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez. Pique understands why the forward may wish to exit, but he believes Pedro will leave a noticeable gap in the options available to coach Luis Enrique, reported Football Espana:

"

I understand that a player like Pedro wants to have more minutes. He's been a world champion, won many trophies in Barcelona and behind three of the best players in the world.

I hope he stays because he's an amazing player and gives very good performances. If he does go, he'll weaken the squad because he has a lot of quality.

"

Tancredi Palmeri of beIN Sports reported a deal is close between Barca and United for the player:

Rhys Turrell of the Daily Star expects Pedro's transfer to be confirmed in the next couple of days.

Tomas Ovalle/Associated Press

Pedro managed a respectable contribution of six goals and six assists in 1,531 minutes worth of La Liga action last season, per WhoScored.com. His ability to slot anywhere across the attacking line is extremely useful and will significantly improve Louis van Gaal's options at United if a deal is struck.

Pique's worries may stem from Barca's lack of cover in this area if Pedro leaves. Limited options will be available if Messi, Neymar or Suarez pick up an injury. Andres Iniesta can move wide, but he lacks the incisive speed and clinical finishing skill of his aforementioned colleagues. Rafinha could help out, but Enrique will be looking at a short-term fix until Barca's transfer ban ends in January 2016.

There is always the chance, like Alexis Sanchez's switch to Arsenal, that Pedro will progress to be a key star in England. He could replace Angel Di Maria at Old Trafford, as reported by Simon Stone of BBC Sport. This was a move recently discussed by B/R UK's Andy Brassell:

Enrique has added Aleix Vidal and Arda Turan to his squad this summer, but neither can play until the transfer ban concludes in January. Arda will likely take on multiple roles across the midfield and can certainly solidify Enrique's options if Pedro heads to the Premier League.

Barca can be expected to spend well when January arrives. Monaco centre-back Aymen Abdennour continues to be linked with the club, as reported by L'Equipe (via Tom Conn of Inside Spanish Football). He made his desire to join the Camp Nou side clear during an interview with SPORT (h/t Conn):

"

I'm ready to play for Barca. I'm a very competitive footballer and I think I have what it takes to succeed.

I'll only leave Monaco to play in the Champions League. My president (Dmitry Rybolovlev) told me that he'd only let me leave if I went to a big club. If the team that wants me isn't a big club, I’m not moving from here.

I'd like to go to a big club and Barcelona are just that. I'd like to play for the best club in the world, Barcelona, but it's not my decision, it's Monaco's.

"

B/R UK's Jonathan Johnson passed along a note on how Barca and Monaco will skirt around the former side's transfer ban:

Abdennour enjoyed a quality campaign with Monaco and proved himself a Champions League standard player with some dominant performances in Europe. He is ready to make the next step at 25 years old and will provide Enrique with a powerful alternative to Pique.

VALERY HACHE/Getty Images

The Blaugrana have managed their transfer ban well—winning the treble is a mighty response to FIFA—but still have plenty of improving to do. Pedro's likely switch will only trouble Enrique for the first half of next season.

It's easy to forget Barca are still in transition—with the club's elections and new players coming through—so the potential of this squad is mind-boggling. While Pique may fear the loss of a team-mate who has provided excellent service over the years, the incoming quality of Barca's new signings ensures the impact will be minimal if everyone can stay fit until January.