Barcelona captain set for Premier League move after rejecting contract renewal

Sergi Roberto, the long-standing Barcelona captain, is considering a move to the English Premier League after deciding not to wait any longer for the club to finalize his contract renewal, claims a report from Mundo Deportivo.

It must be noted that since June 30, Roberto has not been a Barcelona player, marking the end of an era.

Initially, Barcelona had plans to extend his contract for one more season, but due to fair play regulations, they had to wait to register him officially.

Ultimately, Roberto set a deadline of July 10 for Barcelona to make a decision, aligning with the team’s return to training. He wanted clarity about his future, aiming to avoid uncertainty that could jeopardise his chances of joining another team if the renewal did not materialise.

Barcelona are tied due to financial regulations

As the deadline passed, the option of extending it or considering alternative offers remained. However, the veteran midfielder, now 32, chose not to wait any longer. He has decided to part ways with Barcelona and is already entertaining offers from other clubs.

Barcelona’s sporting director, Deco, had communicated to Roberto that the club wanted him to stay for the next season. The club even sent him a set of financial terms which he accepted, showing his eagerness to continue playing for Barcelona.

However, due to financial fair play constraints, Barcelona made it clear that they could not register him immediately.

The contract stipulated that if he signed, he would have to wait until August 10 for his registration to be processed. Despite this, Roberto never signed the contract.

Roberto wants Premier League action

During this period of uncertainty, Roberto has received interest from several La Liga teams, including Sevilla, Valencia, and Girona.

However, his sights are set on playing abroad, specifically in the Premier League. He believes this move will provide him with the new challenge he seeks at this stage of his career.

After dedicating 14 years to Barcelona, he is ready for a fresh start and the opportunity to test his skills in a new environment.

As he listens to offers from Premier League clubs, Roberto is weighing his options carefully. He wants to join a team where he can make a significant impact and continue to grow as a player.

This next chapter in his career is crucial, and he is determined to make the right choice.