Real Madrid is reportedly targeting a young talent who has been compared to FC Barcelona star Pedri, according to a report by AS.
The midfielder, hailed as the “new Pedri,” has caught the attention of Los Blancos as they look to strengthen their squad in the January transfer window.
This comes years after Real Madrid famously turned down Pedri himself, who failed to pass a trial with the club early in his career.
Reflecting on his experience with Real Madrid, Pedri shared in a 2020 interview with El Larguero: “I went to try out with Real Madrid, but they told me I wasn’t at the right level.
I thank those who said I wouldn’t make it, as now I’m in the team I’ve always loved.” The 21-year-old further explained how wearing a Madrid shirt felt unnatural, emphasizing his lifelong support for Barcelona, where his father served as president of a local Barca fan club, or “penya.”
Barcelona’s decision to sign Pedri from Las Palmas in 2019 for an initial fee of $5.2 million (€5 million) proved to be one of the most successful transfers in recent history. This bargain deal was a rare positive move during the turbulent tenure of then-President Josep Bartomeu.
At the time, Bartomeu was criticized for overspending on players like Antoine Griezmann, Ousmane Dembélé, and Philippe Coutinho, which pushed the club into financial crisis. The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated Barcelona’s struggles by cutting off crucial matchday revenue.
Fast forward nearly five years, Barcelona has managed to stabilize its finances and regain dominance on the field. Pedri, now thriving under coach Hansi Flick, has overcome his injury setbacks and emerged as a key player for the team.
With Barca leading La Liga by six points ahead of bitter rivals Real Madrid, Pedri’s influence on the squad has been undeniable.
Real Madrid’s interest in the “new Pedri” reflects their desire to avoid repeating past mistakes. AS highlights Tenerife-born midfielder Aaron Martin as the promising talent on Madrid’s radar. Similar to Pedri, Martin is praised for his vision, precision, and technical ability.
The young midfielder has rapidly progressed from the youth teams to senior-level football and could be acquired for a modest fee of $2.1 million (€2 million), less than half of what Barcelona paid for Pedri.
While Martin could initially join Real Madrid’s Castilla squad, he is seen as a long-term prospect for the first team.
The race to secure his signature is intensifying, with multiple Spanish clubs competing to present the most appealing development plan for the talented youngster. Whether Real Madrid can convince Martin to join their ranks remains to be seen.
