Pedri and Musiala: Stars of European Football with Shared Aspirations

In a recent appearance on the YouTube channel xBuyer, Barcelona midfielder Pedri was asked which player he would sign if he had the authority to do so. Without hesitation, he named Bayern Munich’s Jamal Musiala, stating, “A player who blows me away is Musiala. He’s very good.”

The prospect of adding Musiala to Barcelona’s already impressive roster is tantalizing, yet the practicalities make such a move highly unlikely. Musiala recently extended his contract with Bayern until 2030, and although a release clause exists, it is set at an eye-watering €175 million, decreasing to €100 million only in 2029.

When asked about his favorite player from La Masia, Pedri expressed admiration for Dro, noting, “The one I like the most is Dro; he is very good and possesses a lot of quality, making it look effortless.”

Musiala is recognized as one of Europe’s most versatile young attackers, showcasing technical brilliance and a remarkable ability to score. His skill in maneuvering past defenders and contributing goals distinguishes him among elite talents.

The admiration between the two players is mutual. In 2020, following Barcelona’s notorious 8-2 defeat to Bayern in the Champions League, the German club expressed interest in signing Pedri. Former Barcelona sporting director Ramon Planes mentioned that Bayern had sought a video call to discuss the possibility of acquiring him.

Pedri confirmed the interest but emphasized his loyalty to Barcelona, stating, “It’s true that Bayern were interested in me. However, I have an unconditional love for Barca. I’ve always wanted to play here, making it difficult to envision a move to another club.”

While Pedri dreams of seeing Musiala in a Barcelona jersey, both players are well-established at their current clubs, making any transfer unlikely in the near future.

Emerging on the European stage around the same time, both players made their senior debuts in 2020. Pedri transitioned to Barcelona from Las Palmas, quickly acclimating to top-tier football, while Musiala advanced through Bayern’s youth ranks after his move from Chelsea.

Their rise has been equally rapid. Pedri’s performances in the 2020-21 season solidified his status as a regular starter and one of Barcelona’s most influential young midfielders. Musiala’s breakthrough in the 2021-22 season marked him as Bayern’s next major attacking talent, earning critical playing time and making significant contributions in both the Bundesliga and Champions League.

Since then, both have become crucial to their teams’ identities. Pedri anchors Barcelona’s midfield with his positional awareness and ability to control the pace of the game, while Musiala injects a more dynamic element into Bayern’s attack, utilizing his exceptional dribbling to create opportunities.

By 2025, Pedri had amassed approximately 200 appearances, recording 28 goals and 23 assists, showcasing his role as a playmaker. Musiala, with a similar appearance tally, boasted 64 goals and 39 assists, establishing himself as a direct threat with a higher scoring output.

Pedri’s style fosters control, while Musiala’s brings unpredictability—one orchestrates the game, while the other disrupts it. This contrast underscores Pedri’s high regard for Musiala’s talent.

Currently, both stars are on the path to recovery. Pedri is recovering from a hamstring tear sustained shortly after El Clasico. Initially given a six-week recovery timeline, he is progressing faster than anticipated, although Barcelona is taking precautions to prevent a relapse.

Musiala is also recovering, having suffered a fractured fibula and dislocated ankle during the Club World Cup in July 2025. He has started light training on the grass and is expected to return to competitive action by December 2025.

The significance of both players to their respective clubs is immense. Pedri is the cornerstone of Barcelona’s midfield, while Musiala represents Bayern’s most promising attacking talent. For the time being, both remain pivotal figures in their clubs, and any discussions of a potential Barcelona-Musiala union remain mere admiration from one elite talent to another.