Barcelona will soon seal the agreement with Spanish utility man and club captain Sergi Roberto over a new contract, with talks between the two parties advanced.
According to a report by Fabrizio Romano on Caught Offside, Sergi Roberto is not going anywhere. The 32-year-old will soon sign a new contract with Barcelona, with talks between the two parties advancing. Xavi Hernandez has driven the Catalan outfit’s decision to extend the veteran utility man’s stay at the club.
Sergi Roberto and his long Barcelona journey
Sergi Roberto has been a handy asset for Barcelona since graduating to the first-team squad from the youth division over a decade ago. A native of Reus, the experienced utility man joined the Blaugrana in February 2006 and has gone from strength to strength in the last 18 years.
While the 32-year-old has seldom been the first-choice starter for Barcelona, he has made his mark due to his ability to reprise different roles on the pitch. The Spanish international has enjoyed the most success as a right-back but prefers to play as a box-to-box midfielder. He can also feature as a holding midfielder and a left-back.
Meanwhile, the Spaniard, who has turned out 11 times for his national side, has made 370 appearances for Barcelona, chipping in with 19 goals and 42 assists. However, Roberto’s future has been the subject of widespread speculation due to his contract situation.
What next?
The 32-year-old will see his contract expire in the summer transfer window, having entered the final three months of the current terms. However, Sergi Roberto is not going anywhere, with an agreement between the two parties close. And Fabrizio Romano has claimed that the talks are advancing.
Xavi Hernandez has driven Barcelona’s move to tie Roberto to a new contract. The 11-cap Spanish international faces an uncertain future at the Catalan club after Xavi had announced his departure. However, with the Barcelona manager continuing his stay in Catalonia, Roberto will also extend his near-two-decade-long spell.
Barcelona’s decision makes sense, considering Roberto can fill different spots according to the team’s requirements. So, amid the never-ending financial troubles, keeping the 32-year-old at the club bodes well for the Blaugrana.
