Over the past seven years, we have seen a host of top European players plying their trade in India. Especially in its early seasons, the ISL was able to draw many big names to the league. In this article, we take a look at all Barcelona players who have played for the first team of FC Barcelona as well as in the ISL.
6. Nili Pedromo (Bengaluru FC)
The former Las Palamas player signed for FC Barcelona’s B Team after making 9 appearances in the Segunda Division for La Union. The right-back was a regular for the B team and even did pre-season with the first team that season. When Barca’s first-choice fullback Aleix Vidal was injured and out for five months, there were speculations that Nili might be promoted to the first team. However, Luis Enrique preferred Sergi Roberto and Nili made a single appearance for the first team in the Copa Del Rey before leaving for Greek club Platanias the following season. Bengaluru FC signed him in the winter transfer window of 2020, but after a disappointing six months, they decided not to extend his contract.
5. Pitu (Pune City FC)
Rising from the ranks of La Masia, Pitu made numerous appearances for the junior teams of Barcelona before getting to make his first-team debut. During Frank Rijkaard’s tenure as manager, Pitu made one substitute appearance for the first team before joining Girona FC. The Spaniard was signed by Pune City FC in 2016 when the team was managed by Spanish coach Antonio Lopez Habas. The midfielder played 6 matches that season and Pune finished sixth in the league table. The following season he moved to Llagostera in the Segunda Division.