Shaun Wright-Phillips urges Joao Pedro to leave Chelsea for Barcelona
Former Chelsea winger Shaun Wright-Phillips has urged Joao Pedro to leave Stamford Bridge for Barcelona this summer due to the club’s failure to secure Champions League football.
The Blues are expected to miss out on Europe’s elite competition following a disastrous run of six consecutive Premier League defeats.
There remains a slim mathematical chance of a sixth-place finish, but a summer of significant upheaval is already guaranteed in west London.
The club is currently searching for a new permanent manager after Liam Rosenior’s brief and turbulent four-month spell in charge.
Catalan giants circle Brazilian forward
The £60m signing from Brighton has been heavily linked with a switch to the Spanish heavyweights ahead of the upcoming transfer window.
Wright-Phillips believes the talented attacker must prioritise his career development over staying with a struggling team.
I believe it would be fantastic for Joao if he were to go.
The former England international added that the current administrative direction at Stamford Bridge is a major cause for concern.
Personally, given the way Chelsea has been run, if I were him, I would do everything to complete this transfer.
Elite European ambitions
A move to Camp Nou would allow the South American forward to link up with international team-mate Raphinha and rising star Lamine Yamal.
His advocate noted that the dynamic goalscorer possesses the undeniable quality required to thrive on the biggest stage.
Playing at Camp Nou, alongside Raphinha and Lamine Yamal, would be great for him.
If I were Joao Pedro, I would want to play in the Champions League, and I can’t see Chelsea qualifying for any European competition.
Joao has the level and deserves to be playing in the Champions League.