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FC Barcelona transfer rumour update – Oriol Romeu and Nelson Semedo

By Chiranjib Ghosh

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 19: Oriol Romeu of Southampton during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Southampton at White Hart Lane on March 19, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 19: Oriol Romeu of Southampton during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Southampton at White Hart Lane on March 19, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images) /
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Barcelona begin talks with Southampton’s Oriol Romeu

Oriol Romeu of Southampton
Oriol Romeu of Southampton /

In recent years, Barcelona have developed a policy of selling youngsters and bringing them back when they begin to bloom. The only such successful transaction was with Cesc Fabregas. Barca signed Fabregas from Arsenal after he had left the academy because of his failure to get into the first-team.

The latest example of this policy is Oriol Romeu.

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Robert Fernandez never solved the defensive midfielder problem probably due to financial constraint. Steven N’Zonzi of Sevilla was an option but the transfer could not be pulled off. Now, the press is linking Oriol Romeu with a move back to Catalonia.

Romeu made his way into the first-team in 2010-11. But that proved to be his only season at Barcelona, as he got only a single appearance. He moved to the Premier League with Chelsea.

His Chelsea career was also disappointing, with just 22 appearances in 4 years, and the failure to get into the starting lineup. But then, Oriol Romeu moved to St. Mary’s, and that has been the right transfer for him.

He did well during Ronald Koeman’s reign but has truly began to bloom under Claude Puel. Puel has got the best out of him this season, and that is what is attracting Robert Fernandez. Romeu would prove to be the correct backup for Sergio Busquets. That role in the squad that has so far unsuccessfully taken up by Ivan Rakitic and Andre Gomes.

According to Marca, Barcelona officials have contacted Oriol Romeu’s representatives to let them know of Barca’s interest in capturing the player. Romeu would be a fool to turn down an opportunity for the world’s best club, once again.

Barcelona officials meet with Benfica president over Nelson Semedo deal

LISBON, PORTUGAL – APRIL 22: Nelson Semedo of Benfica drives the ball during a match between Sporting CP and SL Benfica as part of Portuguese Primeira Liga at Estadio Jose Alvalade on April 22, 2017 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Bruno de Carvalho/Brazil Photo Press/LatinContent/Getty Images)
LISBON, PORTUGAL – APRIL 22: Nelson Semedo of Benfica drives the ball during a match between Sporting CP and SL Benfica as part of Portuguese Primeira Liga at Estadio Jose Alvalade on April 22, 2017 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Bruno de Carvalho/Brazil Photo Press/LatinContent/Getty Images) /

Barcelona officials have held talks with Benfica president Luis Filipe Vieira over the signing of right-back Nelson Semedo. According to Sport, Jorge Mendes was also present in the meeting.

This occurs after a Barcelona scout watched him take the field for Benfica against Rio Ave. He played brilliantly, and therefore, impressed the scout. As for the involvement of Mendes, he has none in the deal in question, but was present to discuss the verbal agreement for the move of Joao Cancelo.

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Vieira also attended another informal meeting in Barcelona. This time, it was a dinner with Manchester City officials, including Txixi Begiristan. This clearly indicates the commencement of the negotiation battle between Barcelona and Manchester City for Nelson Semedo’s signature.

The deal is said to be worth €30 million, considerably less than that of Bellerin and equal to that of Cancelo. But City have a distinct advantage in this race. City’s sporting director Txixi Begiristan has a very good working relationship with Benfica, and will probably use that to his advantage.

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But good negotiations on Robert’s part and the board’s willingness to shell out the money is expected to get the deal done. Also, Barca is a much bigger club than City and offers more chances at silverware.

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