The search for the “next Pedri” has been a recurring theme in Spanish football, and for a long time, all fingers pointed to Alberto Moleiro.
The comparisons were inevitable: both are natives of Tenerife, both were overlooked by CD Tenerife, and both exploded onto the scene through the UD Las Palmas academy.
However, a new report confirms that the similarities almost went a step further. Moleiro was on the verge of joining FC Barcelona.
A deal scuppered by finances
As reported by Diario SPORT, the Blaugrana technical secretariat had monitored Moleiro closely, identifying him as a talent that fit the club’s DNA perfectly.
But just as the stars seemed aligned for the two Canary Islanders to reunite in Catalonia, reality intervened.
Barcelona’s delicate financial situation at the time made the operation unfeasible, and the deal collapsed before it could be finalised.
Alberto Moleiro, Villarreal sensation
Moleiro has emerged as a rising star in La Liga this season. (Photo by Mateo Villalba Sanchez/Getty Images)
Instead of Camp Nou, Moleiro remained at Las Palmas until their relegation, eventually moving to Villarreal this season for €16 million to replace Alex Baena.
Different profiles
While Moleiro admits that being compared to the Barça star is “an honour,” he insists that “within the field, we are different.”
While Pedri acts as the team’s metronome, controlling the tempo and lighting up the midfield, Moleiro has evolved into a much more of an offensive threat.
Operating largely as a left-winger under Marcelino, he is direct, powerful, and lethal near the box. His numbers this season are evidence of the gem Barcelona missed out on: 8 goals and 3 assists in 18 La Liga games.
Moleiro is currently driving Villarreal to a historic season, proving to be one of the best signings in the league.