Barça are convinced Pedri could play a role in the first team next season

FC Barcelona's expectations of Pedri are huge. As things stand, the club views the youngster as part of the first-team squad next season. Barça president Josep Maria Bartomeu has even said as much: "I can't wait to see Pedri and Trinçao here." That belief is shared by the sporting department as the plan is to rejuvenate the squad this summer. The planes for Pedri are focused on the future but also the present. He'll take part in preseason with the squad and, if all goes well, he'll be handed a shirt number for next season.

Barça are convinced that Pedri's current level means he isn't far off gaining valuable minutes in the first-team picture. The player has produced some incredible performances in recent weeks and they haven't gone unnoticed amongst the Camp Nou offices. "Pedri could explode onto the scene during preseason."

Interest in Pedri is high too. Various sides from around Europe, many of whom are in the Champions League, have asked about taking the youngster on loan next year. At the moment, Barça have been quite clear: "Pedri won't be leaving on loan." This message has also been relayed to the player who is excited by the confidence being shown in him already. Pedri knows this is a crucial part of his development as a player and many more clubs are expected to try and convince Barça that a loan move would be more beneficial.

MORE COMFORTABLE CENTRAL THAN AS A WINGER

Whilst there is still a long way to go for Pedri, many coaches see Pedri as a player similar to Andres Iniesta. His performances at UD Las Palmas believe that Pedri would be better suited to playing slightly more central with a license to get forward. The ball is almost glued to his feet and he's capable of gliding past challenges with ease. Barça have placed him on a fitness plan in recent months to help him adapt to the role required of him going forward.