Manchester United Transfer News: Pedro Buyout Clause Too High, Latest Rumours

With Angel Di Maria sold to Paris Saint-Germain, many Manchester United supporters were expecting the signing of Pedro Rodriguez from Barcelona to follow not long after. Di Maria's move was confirmed on Thursday, but it seems as though any deal for the Spain international could be a way off yet, with the Red Devils reportedly reluctant to meet the player's buyout clause.

That’s according to David Maddock of the Daily Mirror, who wrote that United can trigger the clause if they offer a sum of around £23 million. But he claims the Red Devils value the 28-year-old at an amount closer to £17 million and have yet to lodge an offer for his services.

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In another potentially worrying development, according to football journalist Duncan Castles, the two clubs have postponed a meeting due to take place to discuss the transfer. However, it’s also claimed Pedro “remains confident that the deal will go through.”

Recently, Bleacher Report’s Andy Brassell took a look at whether Pedro has what it takes to replace Di Maria at Old Trafford:

Reports surfacing in the past couple of days have cast some doubts over the deal for the Spain international. Barca president Josep Maria Bartomeu has described him as a “key player” moving forward, per Nicholas Godden of the MailOnline. New club secretary Robert Fernandez also said he has a “feeling” Pedro will stick around, per Joe Wright of Goal.

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Looking at United’s forward line, there’s no denying they could do with the addition. Granted, Memphis Depay looks an exciting acquisition, but aside from him and Wayne Rooney, it’s tough to see where a regular stream of goals will flow from for United.

Pedro, as we can see here courtesy of Sky Sports News HQ, would add those traits in abundance:

Indeed, the Barcelona man does look a more natural fit for Van Gaal’s United than Di Maria. Pedro is capable of playing on either flank and, as was evident during his time working under Pep Guardiola, the Canary Islander is very adept at carrying out tactical instructions, most notably maintaining width for his team.

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It’s something that United were in short supply of last season, especially with Di Maria failing to fire after perennial fitness concerns. There’s no denying the Red Devils are losing a fine player in the Argentina international, but as noted by Sam Pilger, there are traits Pedro possesses that will better align him with Van Gaal’s mantras:

Providing the two sides agree a fee, of course. According to occasional Bleacher Report columnist Guillem Balague, the club and player have already agreed terms on a deal, meaning the only thing preventing a transfer going through is the fee. Given his age and consequent lack of resale value, United’s reluctance to pay over the odds is understandable.

But Barcelona, you suspect, won’t budge. United are one of the richest clubs in world football after all. Plus, after sanctioning the lucrative sale of Di Maria, the coffers will be full. As such, expect United to end up paying full whack for the winger; it’s up to him to ensure he lives up to the price tag.