Sergi Roberto, the former Barcelona captain, was not included in Hansi Flick’s plans, according to journalist Gabriel Sans. This news is surprising, particularly following Flick’s blunt statement in a recent press conference: “He is not a Barca player at the moment,” with no further elaboration.
Minimal Responses, Significant Changes
During Flick’s statement, President Joan Laporta was present but opted not to comment. Despite Roberto’s 14-season tenure and status as the last captain, he faces an uncertain future. Flick’s strategy does not prioritize Roberto, preferring different players for midfield and right-back roles. Flick’s responses, though minimal, were respectful toward Roberto and the club’s decisions.
Shift in Prioritization
This development is significant, especially since former coach Xavi was keen on keeping Roberto, pushing for his contract renewal. However, after Xavi’s departure, Barcelona offered Roberto a reduced contract to comply with ‘fair play’ regulations. The indication that Roberto was not a priority led Barcelona to set an August 10 deadline for finalizing a deal, suggesting he might need to find a new team if terms were not agreed upon.
Exploring New Opportunities
As Roberto’s time at Barcelona seemed to be ending, he began exploring opportunities in the Premier League and other leagues. The lack of updates from the club has prompted Roberto and his agents to seek new opportunities, signaling a broader transformation within Barcelona’s structure and strategy.
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