Next 48 hours key for midfielder’s transfer to Barcelona

Barcelona is entering a key 48-hour window in relation to the potential transfer of Girona midfielder Oriol Romeu.

The ‘conditions’ have already been agreed between Barcelona and Romeu with the former Barca youth player agreeing to join on a two-year deal with a further option for another year, as per SPORT.

However, no agreement is currently in place with Girona.

Romeu is believed to have an €8 million release clause and the Catalan giants are willing to work close to that number. Although due to the current financial restrictions, it may be a case that Joan Laporta is looking to do business around the €6 million mark, with Girona holding out for more.

Barcelona keen to negotiate with Girona for midfield signing

The report indicates that Barca is keen to maintain good relations with Girona, so will negotiate in good faith.

Romeu may not be the most glamourous option for the Spanish Champions, but the harsh reality of the financial situation in Catalonia means he may be the best fit at the value quoted.

The combative midfielder is coming off a good season at Girona having spent the previous 7 years playing for Southampton in the Premier League.

As we detailed earlier this week, Barca do have some in-house options to replace Sergio Busquets, but with Xavi having signed off on the Romeu deal it seems clear they’re looking to further bolster the pivot position in midfield.

The arrival of Romeu would not halt the development of the young players according to the report, with Barcelona being able to rotate throughout the season.

Marc Casadó, Pau Prim, Gerard Hernández and Marc Bernal are all highly thought of at Camp Nou, but there is no substitute for experience.

The report indicates that Barca is looking to make a quick decision on Romeu over the coming days.