Manchester United Transfer News: Pedro Open to 'Challenge,' Mulls Barcelona Exit

Barcelona winger Pedro has insisted that the prospect of a move to Manchester United is a challenge he would relish. However, despite admitting more minutes on the pitch is the priority, he has revealed his long-term future is far from straightforward at this juncture.

Pedro said he’s not directly asked to leave the club as was initially reported, but he does have some doubts about his long-term future at the Camp Nou.

“Manchester?” said the La Masia graduate, per the Irish Independent. “Yes, there are nice challenges on all sides. Today I'm here, and I'm happy. And if I go I will go with my head held high having always given everything. These fans and this club are incredible.”

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The 28-year-old star was speaking after scoring the winning goal in extra time in Barcelona’s epic 5-4 win over Sevilla in the European Super Cup on Tuesday. But despite club secretary Robert Fernandez stating to TV3 (h/t ESPN FC) that “Pedro asked us for the transfer,” the player was far less definitive when asked if he wanted to go, per AS (h/t the Irish Independent):

"

The answer is no. But it's complicated for many things. It's not for money, as has been said - which is another lack of respect. It's a question of continuity, of minutes. I'm an ambitious player. Stay or go, I will always be of this team.

I don't know if it will be my last game for Barcelona. I only want to enjoy this title.

There are many pros and cons about my situation. The comments of Robert Fernandez are unfair. He's made some very unfortunate declarations. I've crossed two words with him and he doesn't know what I've been through at the club to talk like that of me.

"

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As noted in the aforementioned piece, Fernandez and Barcelona have been insistent that they will not sell the player unless a team meets his release clause of €30 million, with the club secretary branding the sum “not negotiable” in his discussion with TV3.

Pedro showed in his Super Cup cameo exactly what the Blaugrana will be missing should he leave this summer. While the club have superior attacking options in Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar, the Spanish international can do a superb job replacing either and has a penchant for chipping in with decisive goals.

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As noted by football journalist Rafael Hernandez, the game summed up exactly what United would be getting from this vibrant player:

After his match-winning salvo in the final there will be plenty of Barcelona fans that’ll be keen on the winger staying. It’s clear Pedro still has something to offer, he still loves the football club and with the Blaugrana fighting on four fronts for more trophies in the coming season—the Club World Cup in addition to the three won last campaign—he’d get game time.

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But it’d be a romantic, short-term decision for the player to make, who, going off his comments above, clearly understands that he needs first-team football to prevent his form deteriorating. Even in the wake of this dramatic winning goal, the ball still looks to be in United’s court, as noted here by Spanish football expert Sergi Dominguez:

There’s a general acceptance that this deal will get done eventually and the manner in which Pedro saved the game for Barcelona against Sevilla will only harden the club’s resolve to hold out for the winger’s full release clause.

United, who are in desperate need of forward reinforcements, will surely pay the money too. Louis van Gaal would be getting a daring wide man who works tremendously hard, creates chances and scores plenty of goals. While Pedro will leave Barcelona with a heavy heart, it’s clear he’s ready to add a new chapter to an already distinguished career.