Sergi Roberto has had a surprise in the last few hours. Just when his verbal agreement for a renewal had been reached, Barça have presented him with an unexpected condition. An awkward clause, although the captain maintains his desire to continue at the club of his life.
The sporting director had proposed extending his contract for one season, plus another optional one, a few weeks ago. Sergi Roberto is out of contract on June 30 and had already accepted the club’s terms, both in terms of contract length and financial terms.
Sergi Roberto was delighted to sign an extension to his contract with Barça, even if it was only for one year. This is the model he has followed in recent seasons and both parties shared the same view of the situation.
What’s more, FC Barcelona had stressed to him that the idea of renewing his contract was independent of the coach who was in charge of the team. Whether it was Xavi at the time or his successor, in this case Hansi Flick.
An inelegant clause
Barça’s unexpected reaction is not due to sporting reasons, but to economic ones. The club has told him that they want to introduce a clause whereby Sergi Roberto could be released if the club does not have sufficient financial fair play to register him in mid-August.
Neither Sergi Roberto nor his representatives were expecting this move. However, the captain remains keen to continue and the player’s stance is to talk to FC Barcelona to reach an agreement.
His love for the club has been amply demonstrated with a substantial salary cut and he is now in no mood to get into any conflict. The captain wants to use dialogue to resolve this unexpected setback.
Sergi Roberto is a symbol of La Masia and Joan Laporta himself has always been very close to him. The president wants him to be the captain to inaugurate the new Spotify Camp Nou and common sense should prevail so that the renewal is signed.
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings