Atletico Madrid and Manchester City are reportedly eyeing a Bosman move for Barcelona utility man Sergi Roberto.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, Sergi Roberto appears set to leave Barcelona as a free agent in next summer’s transfer window. The 29-year-old has no shortage of suitors either, with Atletico Madrid and Manchester City vying for his services over a potential Bosman move.
Sergi Roberto joined Barcelona’s fabled academy, La Masia, as a 14-year-old back in 2006. And in just four years, he had broken into the first-team setup at Camp Nou, aged just 18. Since then, the Spanish international has come a long way at Barcelona, becoming an asset for managers due to his ability to play as a midfielder and a full-back.
To date, the 29-year-old utility man has made 315 appearances for Barcelona, chipping in with 12 goals and 37 assists along the way. However, Roberto has entered the final year of his contract with the Blaugrana, putting them in a spot of bother over his long-term future. Such a situation has now piqued the interest of Atletico Madrid and Manchester City.
This is not the first time that Atletico Madrid have been linked with Roberto, who was also the subject of interest from Los Rojiblancos over a move in the summer transfer window. The continued interest in the Barcelona ace makes a lot of sense, considering Kieran Trippier continues to be linked with Manchester United.
In addition, there is uncertainty surrounding the future of Hector Herrera, meaning Roberto could prove to be a utility option for Atletico Madrid. On the other hand, the interest from Manchester City is a tad bit surprising.
The Premier League champions do not require a right-back, with Kyle Walker and Joao Cancelo going strong at the Etihad. However, with Fernandinho in the twilight of his career, Roberto could be an option to come in as a potential replacement in the Manchester City midfield unit.
Both Atletico Madrid and Manchester City are eyeing a Bosman move for the 29-year-old, who, as per the report, will not be signing a new contract with Barcelona. What now remains to be seen is whether the Spanish international ends up departing Camp Nou and whether either Atletico Madrid or Manchester City manage to land him.