Rumor Mongering: Liverpool Planning To Splash £85M On Barcelona’s Pedri

International break is almost over, but the rumor mongers are finishing things with a flourish. Today’s rumor was pulled out of thin air comes courtesy of the Italian online publication Tutto Mercado Web, which reports that the typically thrifty Liverpool FC are planning an eye-watering £85 million for Barcelona’s 18-year-old Wonder Kid midfielder Pedri.

According to the report, Liverpool are eyeing the ongoing contract negotiations between Pedri—whose contract is set to expire in the summer (albeit with an option to extend)—and Barcelona. Meanwhile, the Catalan club, who remain in, and I believe this is the technical term, “deep financial shit,” might still need to move some promising young players on in hopes of balancing the books.

And Pedri is a promising young player, having already made over 50 appearances for Barca, as well as earning a full international debut for Spain.

Of course, Liverpool already have a boss 18-year-old midfielder of their own. If Harvey Elliott continues on his current trajectory, he very well could be approaching a similar value to Pedri by the end of the season. His two starts and three appearances in the first three games of the season indicate just how highly Jurgen Klopp and the backroom staff think of the youngster.

When you also consider that Liverpool have another one of the top midfield prospects in Europe in Curtis Jones, this move starts making less and less sense, especially in the last year of a player’s contract.

Granted, “sense” or “logic” is rarely the first concern for an Italian rumor mill with no connections to the player or either club involved. So, take this one with a heavy grain of salt.