Sergi Roberto’s Barcelona future takes a new turn

Sergi Roberto of FC Barcelona. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Sergi Roberto of FC Barcelona. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

The situation at Barcelona is a delicate one with the club needing to get rid of a number of players in an effort to cut down on the wage bill.

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One of those players seemingly on the way out was Sergi Roberto. With only a year left on his contract, the plan was to find another team for him and avoid losing him on a free next summer.

However, plans have changed.

Barcelona considering all options when it comes to the midfielder/right-back

According to Sport, the future of Roberto could still be at Camp Nou. The club has seemingly had a change of heart with regards to his exit and are now considering offering him a two-year contract extension.

The caveat with a possible extension is that it would see him decrease his wages as he is on high wages and one of the reasons Barcelona wanted to move him on.

There are conflicting reports with Mundo Deportivo reporting that it’s been ten days since Roberto’s representatives have heard from the club and are unaware of any new proposal.

Roberto had been linked with a possible move to Manchester City either as a straight transfer or possibly involved in a player swap.

While his intention is to stay at Barcelona, the Catalans may prefer to sell him if no agreement on an extension is reached. One of the obstacles previously was the length of a new deal. He wanted at least two years with the club only offering one.

If he stays, it is likely his playing time will be severely diminished to what he was accustomed. There is already a logjam in midfield and Sergiño Dest and Emerson Royal will be the two players fighting for the starting right-back spot.

This scenario leaves Roberto without a place on the team. Not to mention that he struggled mightily last season both with injuries and a drop in form. He proved to be a liability late in the season and was a contributor to Barcelona’s collapse in their race for LaLiga title.