With Sergio Busquets' departure, FC Barcelona finds itself in a race against time to secure an experienced defensive midfielder. Barcelona has reportedly identified Oriol Romeu, the seasoned midfielder from Girona, as a potential low-budget solution.
Xavi Hernandez, Barcelona's coach, has had to reassess his initial targets due to the club's strained financial condition. Hernandez shared his thoughts about the club's predicament during a recent press event, "We need to strengthen our midfield, but we are dealing with financial constraints. We must be flexible."
Romeu, a product of Barca's academy, moved to Chelsea in 2011, and has emerged as a practical choice given his extensive experience and relatively affordable release clause of €8 million. Despite the price, Barcelona is reportedly negotiating for a lower transfer fee.
Internal discussions about Romeu's transfer continue within Barcelona's administration, with plans to establish fresh contacts with both Girona and the player in the near future. The proposed agreement entails a two-season contract, with an option for a third.
Romeu is purportedly eager to return to his formative club. Yet, the negotiation process with Girona promises to be complex. The La Liga side insists on the full amount of Romeu's release clause, creating another hurdle for cash-strapped Barcelona.
The club has also considered promoting Nico Gonzalez, a versatile midfielder who spent the last season on loan at Valencia. Hernandez acknowledges the potential of Gonzalez but leans towards more seasoned options. "Nico will return for pre-season with the first team. From there, we will decide," the coach stated recently.
Xavi also spoke about the club's broader summer transfer strategy at a press conference ahead of the pre-season camp. "We have to strengthen. We cannot fool anyone. The transfer window will be a long one, but our goal is to be as competitive as possible," he said.
Reflecting on the club's Champions League performance, Xavi stated, "We are not favorites, but the objective is to win. We have to aim as high as possible."
While Romeu's transfer is far from a done deal, Xavi's words signal a cautious yet proactive approach to Barcelona's restructuring needs. With Busquets' void to fill and financial constraints to navigate, the club faces a challenging summer ahead.
