Former Barcelona director reveals how Flick tried to steal midfield gem from the club in the past | OneFootball

Former Barcelona sporting director Ramon Planes has revealed a fascinating story that remained under wraps until now.

Speaking to Cadena SER (via SPORT), Planes shared that Bayern Munich made a move to sign Pedri before he even played a single minute for Barcelona’s first team.

The approach came just 48 hours after Barça’s 2-8 humiliation at the hands of Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League.

Planes received a surprising call from Pedri’s agent, relaying that Bayern Munich were urgently interested in setting up a videoconference to discuss the young talent.

Planes recalled the moment vividly: “I was very surprised, because I hadn’t even arrived at Barça yet.” Yet he accepted the invitation. In that videoconference, alongside Bayern’s sporting department, was a name that today feels almost prophetic for Cules: Hansi Flick.

Flick wanted Pedri at Bayern Munich

Even back then, Flick recognised something special in the teenage midfielder. Despite playing in the second division, Pedri had caught the eye of Bayern’s recruitment team, and the German coach believed he was worth the investment.

Hansi Flick wanted to sign Pedri at Bayern Munich. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

Planes was impressed by their scouting efforts, admitting, “I was surprised and gave me a good impression of how they worked on recruiting players. They had noticed a boy from the Second Division.”

But any chance of a transfer was quickly shut down. “I told them that Pedri was coming to pre-season with us and that we were not contemplating his departure.”

The rest is history

Pedri went on to make his debut under Ronald Koeman and quickly established himself as one of the brightest young midfielders in Europe.

Fast forward to 2024, and destiny has finally brought Flick and Pedri together, this time at Barcelona. The German, now managing the club he once devastated as Bayern coach, has taken charge of Pedri’s development.

And under Flick, Pedri is now enjoying arguably his finest season yet in a Barça shirt.

There’s a certain poetic justice in this story. Four years ago, Flick tried to bring Pedri to Munich. Barcelona stood firm, and now they have given Flick the chance to coach the very player he once admired from afar.