March 18 – UD Las Palmas Sporting Director Luis Helguera has backed young star Alberto Moleiro to become the next Pedri, explaining his club’s business model as an ‘academy’ club whose revenue model is based on developing and selling players.
The club has used a blend of experience and youth upon its return to the top flight, where they currently sit in 11th place, defying all expectations at the start of the season. In the forefront of their campaign has been Moleiro.
Pedri, who transferred from Las Palmas in 2020 for €22 million and has become one of FC Barcelona’s brightest stars, has already played more than 90 games for the club. The Spaniard now commands a transfer value of €90 million according to Transfermarkt.
UD Las Palmas Sporting Director Luis Helguera said: “Moleiro is a very talented young player, he has great energy.
“He’s the latest product of our academy, which gives young players all the tools to develop physically and mentally.”
That being said, Helguera has braced for impact as big clubs continue to circle around his young stars.
“We an academy club. We sell players, that’s what we do,” Helguera insisted.
“We believe in the development of young players . Yes, we can say no to offers as we are financially healthy and strong, but at our core we are a selling club. It is a pleasure to see our players like Pedri reaching the very top. It brings us pride and boosts our reputation.
“We are not afraid of finances because we will always be able to sell. We are an attractive platform to buy from because of our model as a club.
“We know what kind of player we want to develop, then it is just a matter of waiting until they are sold. look at what is happening at Brighton and Ajax – they are our inspiration.”
Las Palmas’ 20-year-old academy graduate Alberto Moleiro has attracted admirers from across the nation and beyond after impressing in his debut year in the Spanish top flight. Due to his Canary Islands origin, he has earned comparisons to a young Pedri.
“People have compared me to Pedri,” the player said, “I feel proud when people compare us as he is a great player, but we are very different players.”
“As a team, our style has always been our own – we have adapted really well to the top division.”
Las Palmas’ 32,000-seater Estadio Gran Canaria is nominated as a host for Spain’s joint 2030 World Cup, which would see the stadium be remodelled for the tournament if it were to be selected.
UD Las Palmas matches are part of the LALIGA EA SPORTS broadcast output on Viaplay, available in the UK on Sky, Virgin TV, Amazon Prime Video and via streaming.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1713980679labto1713980679ofdlr1713980679owedi1713980679sni@g1713980679niwe.1713980679yrrah1713980679