Former Las Palmas coach reveals why Real Madrid turned down Barcelona superstar | OneFootball

Pepe Mel has recently raised some eyebrows after making a striking claim surrounding Barcelona superstar Pedri.

The Spanish international, who is considered one of the best midfielders on the planet worked with Mel during their time together at Las Palmas.

Mel, in fact, had played a key role in Pedri’s initial rise to prominence, with the Spaniard notably playing 37 competitive matches under the coach.

Mel’s stunning claim on Pedri and Real Madrid

While Pedri eventually joined Barcelona, Mel, in a recent interview with Radioestadio Noche (h/t SPORT), has revealed that the former Las Palmas star was being monitored by Real Madrid as well.

Mel further revealed that he even had a chat with Real Madrid chairman and club legend Emilio Butragueno.

Pepe Mel played a key role in giving Pedri his professional breakthrough at Las Palmas. (Photo by Rafa Babot/Getty Images)

“Real Madrid even monitored him,” Mel said, before revealing that Real Madrid ultimately did not consider signing Pedri was he was not considered “not a player for Real Madrid.”

Essentially, Los Blancos dropped the opportunity to sign Pedri as he was not considered Real Madrid material.

It must be noted that this happened before the Spaniard became a star sensation, especially after joining Barcelona.

The Spaniard signed for the Catalans in 2019, and arrived at the club a year later. The rest, as they say, is history, with the midfielder now being considered as one of the best in the world.

At just 23, Pedri has also racked up 221 competitive matches for Barcelona, even beating Lionel Messi’s record recently by becoming the youngest player to feature in 150 La Liga matches for the club.

Mel, meanwhile, is currently embarking on a new adventure, having been appointed as the head coach of Moroccan outfit Ittihad Tangier.