Barcelona utility man Sergi Roberto is reportedly a target for MLS club LA Galaxy over a possible move in the summer transfer window.
According to a report by the US edition of AS, Sergi Roberto is the subject of interest from LA Galaxy over a possible move in the summer transfer window. The MLS giants have already secured the services of Riqui Puig from Barcelona this month, with the Spanish utility man the latest target.
Sergi Roberto has been with Barcelona since joining their famed La Masia academy as a 14-year-old in 2006 and has spent his entire professional career at the Catalan club. The Spanish international started as a midfielder but has evolved into a utility man who can play as a full-back on both flanks, establishing himself as an asset for different Barcelona managers over the years.
But the 30-year-old’s stock has plummeted in the last couple of years, with his game-time affected by a spate of injuries in the most recent season. Roberto managed just 567 minutes of game-time across 12 appearances for Barcelona in the 2021/22 campaign, with a long-term knee issue hampering him.
Roberto also seemed to be approaching the end of his stint with Barcelona this summer as he had entered the final year of his contract. But after long-dragging talks over a contract extension, the Spanish utility man finally ended widespread speculation by signing a new deal with Barcelona.
Roberto is now set to enter the 2022/23 season as one of the right-back options for Xavi Hernandez after Dani Alves’s departure and the failure to land Cesar Azpilicueta, who has signed a new deal with Chelsea. But according to AS USA, the 30-year-old might depart from Camp Nou in the ongoing transfer window, with LA Galaxy keen on signing him.
The MLS giants have already signed one player from Barcelona, with Riqui Puig arriving in Los Angeles this month. And according to AS USA, the relationship between LA Galaxy and Barcelona has become stronger following their negotiations, with Roberto emerging on their radar.
Roberto will unlikely be a designated player for LA Galaxy, with three players already taking up those spots. But it is unclear if Barcelona will let the Spanish utility man leave this summer after scrapping plans to sign a new right-back in the ongoing transfer window.