by Ryan D Jaeger
Even though Spain, like most football-playing countries, is completed focused on the 2010 FIFA World Cup which kicks off in South Africa on Friday, its domestic clubs must still prepare for the next
La Liga season.
And in this vain, this season's La Liga champions, Barcelona, have made some positive decisions regarding some of its key players, including the
Xavi and Pedro, who have been both been offered new contracts to stay at the club.
According to reports, Xavi, 30, a veteran of the club, has agreed to extend his contract with the team until 2016, provided that he plays in no less than half of the club's fixtures until the end of his current contract which ends in 2014.
This is considered a good deal for the midfielder, who for the last 12 years has proved his skill and worth to Barcelona's hierarchy. This was driven home further by the fact that Xavi was selected to represent Spain in the World Cup.
Pedro, 22, who will also play in South Africa for the Spanish national football team, has more than proven himself to be one of the most talented attackers at Barcelona, if not in Spain, and will be represent Barca again in La Liga.
Under the terms of his new contract, Pedro will likely receive a generous raise in a deal that will see him sport Barcelona's colours until at least 2015. In addition, the striker will see his buyout clause increased to a notable £74 million.
With Spain highly-favoured to win the 2010 World Cup, it will be interesting to see how both Xavi and Pedro fare over the next month, as coming off the La Liga Championship with Barca, both players are used to winning their games.
