Enrique powerless to stop Pedro move

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Pedro was the fourth-choice forward last season and his future at the Camp Nou is unclear, with reports in Spain claiming Chelsea are trying to prise him away from the Spanish and European champions.

The 27-year-old confirmed on Monday that Barcelona have received offers for him, but Enrique is hopeful he will stay, even if his €30million release clause could leave the club powerless if the player wants out.

Speaking at a press conference, Barca’s head coach said: “I do not want him to go, but there is a clause and the player must decide.

“I hope that the relationship will not break, but I respect his decision. (Marc) Bartra is in a similar situation and he stayed.

“I do not want any player in the squad to leave, (but) I will not lie to any player and I will not promise any player minutes.”

Barca have already brought in Aleix Vidal and Arda Turan this summer and Enrique is unsure if the club will make any further additions before the close of the transfer window. 

He added: “I made requests and they have been fulfilled. Now I do not know if players will leave and others will come.”

Former Barca defender Eric Abidal, who will become Barca’s new sporting director if Joan Laporta is voted in after the presidential election on July 18, says the club must try to keep Pedro.

“Players such as Pedro cannot be allowed to go,” he told news agency EFE.

“Pedro is still an important part of this squad, but everyone knows that the player always wants to play and before he had more minutes than now. If Laporta wins, we will look at his future from July 19.”