Barcelona president claims new Pedri deal is his “happiest day” since returning

The young talent's new contract contains the highest release clause in the club's history

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has claimed Pedri's new contract is his "happiest day" since he returned to the club back in March. The 18-year-old signed a new deal until 2026, with a release clause - which is mandatory in Spain - of €1 billion (£846 million) which is the highest in the club's history. The youngster made headlines last season in his first full season as a senior professional, playing over 7o games for club and country which included a run to the semi-finals of Euro 2020 and also the final of the Tokyo Olympics men's football, which Spain lost out to Brazil in. He was also influential at club level too, as the midfielder helped guide Barca to a Copa del Rey victory against Athletic Bilbao whilst also scoring 4 times in all competitions. After the news broke of the new deal, Laporta couldn't hide his delight, describing it as one of his proudest moments during his Barcelona tenure and that despite the hefty release clause, the youngster is much more valuable. As per the BBC, Laporta said: "The clause is €1 billion euros, but he is worth much more.

"I'd say it's the happiest day since I've taken up the presidency.

"I was very happy too, of course, when we won the Copa last season but this is an historic day and one of those that makes being Barca president worthwhile."

The news of Pedri's new contract has taken the distraction away from what has been a difficult start to the season for the Catalan giants.

Currently they find themselves sitting ninth in La Liga but have a chance to return to winning ways against Valencia on Sunday, which Pedri will miss through injury.

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