Barcelona’s tradition of strong and influential captains, from the likes of Xavi Hernandez to Andres Iniesta, Lionel Messi, and Sergio Busquets, has played a crucial role in the club’s historic success on the field. But amidst these legendary names, Sergi Roberto, a stalwart for the past decade, has quietly etched his own special place within the club due to his unwavering commitment and dedication.
For years, Sergi Roberto has been the manager’s reliable choice, known for his versatility in covering various positions. As Barcelona undergoes a period of transition, his adaptable profile seemed like a one-stop solution for the team’s needs. Follow your favourite football team with attractive La Liga odds from Nextbet.
However, the winds of change have swept through Camp Nou. Xavi Hernandez, the new manager, now has a more extensive array of options for both the right-back position and the midfield, rendering Sergi Roberto as surplus to requirements.
According to reports from Toni Juanmarti, this season is set to be Roberto’s swan song at Barcelona. His contract will expire in June, and there seems to be no room for renewal.
Despite his beginnings as a midfielder, Sergi Roberto spent his best years donning the right-back role for Barcelona. While he wasn’t the perfect full-back, his La Masia background allowed him to contribute to build-up play and orchestrate the team’s movements.
However, with the emergence of Joao Cancelo, who has made the right-back position his own, Roberto’s defensive role has dwindled significantly. Furthermore, Xavi has shown a preference for utilizing players like Jules Kounde and Ronald Araujo as emergency right-backs, even ahead of the club captain.
The competition for a spot in the midfield is equally fierce. With the likes of Pedri, Gavi, Frenkie de Jong, Oriol Romeu, Fermin Lopez, and Ilkay Gundogan all vying for positions, Sergi Roberto’s opportunities have become scarce.
Hence, it appears that Roberto’s imminent departure is the best solution for all parties involved. Reports suggest that he might explore opportunities in Saudi Arabia and Major League Soccer (MLS) as he considers his future beyond Barcelona. Get the latest updates from the La Liga only on Nextbet Sports.
