Versatile Barcelona star Sergi Roberto is considering a transfer to the MLS with his current contract with the club expiring at the end of the season.
Speaking on the Siempre Positivo Podcast, Spanish journalist Toni Juanmarti has claimed that Barcelona defender Sergi Roberto could move to the Major League Soccer (MLS) if he does not agree a renewal with the club.
A product of Barcelona’s La Masia setup, Roberto made his senior debut back in 2009 under then-manager Pep Guardiola. He gradually grew in stature at Camp Nou but was never regarded as an indispensable part of the team. A handy squad player, Roberto started as a central midfielder but morphed himself into a right-back in recent years.
However, the 30-year-old has struggled with injuries over the past couple of seasons. He has been out on the sidelines since late last year and is expected to return to action in April. Roberto’s current contract with Barcelona stands to expire at the end of the season. Talks over a renewal had been held early in the season. But they took a backseat due to his injury.
Manager Xavi Hernandez has reiterated that he sees the veteran star as a key cog due to his experience and adaptability. But, the club are uncertain about offering him a new deal due to his fitness issues. As a result, Roberto may leave the club at the end of the season as a free agent.
✍ (ROBERTO): Sergi Roberto's continuity at Barcelona beyond this season seems very difficult at the moment.
• Although Xavi is in favour of him staying, the club's technical area does not think the same.#FCB ??
Via (?): @ffpolo [md] pic.twitter.com/F1UQZlsIXb
— Barça Buzz (@Barca_Buzz) March 2, 2022
Manchester City and Arsenal are believed to be interested in the Spanish international. But now, Toni Juanmarti has suggested that a transfer to the USA could be on the cards for the Barcelona captain when his contract runs out, with LA Galaxy mentioned as a possible destination for the 30-year-old.
“Sergi Roberto, his camp and some of his close friends are working on striking a deal with an MLS club,” he said while speaking on the podcast. “Roberto has a lot of people living in the United States, and a couple of years back, he told them he wants to go to the USA at the end of his career.”
“But given the current problems with Barcelona, he hasn’t extended his contract yet and his agent has great doubts whether Barcelona intend to offer an extension. In that case, Roberto has decided to activate the option of moving to the MLS side LA Galaxy,” he added.
With Barcelona closing in on the capture of Franck Kessie to strengthen the midfield and expected to bring in a new right-back, Roberto’s departure should not hurt the balance or depth of the squad in any way. Whether he ends up securing a move to the MLS or decides to stay in Europe remains to be seen.
