Sevilla have emerged as front-runners to land an old Barcelona midfielder no longer part of the club’s plans under Hansi Flick.
The Spanish club will chase the experienced player with the hope of solving the midfield inconsistencies that plagued them last season.
The La Liga side sees him as an important player to bring maturity and calmness to help balance the team.
After a loan spell away from Barcelona, the player has returned, but is facing an uncertain future with Flick preferring to play other players.
Sevilla’s interest, highlighted by Fichajes, shows their belief that he can compete at the highest level despite his age.
The midfielder is Oriol Romeu, a 33-year-old Catalan who returned to Barcelona in 2023 from Girona, where he couldn’t claim a certain spot in the team sheet.
Initially, there were indications that Flick may have wanted to keep Romeu for his leadership qualities, but in recent reports, it has been confirmed that Romeu is not included in the German coach’s plans.
Sevilla’s new coach, Matías Almeyda, appreciates Romeu’s tactical discipline and his familiarity with La Liga, which allows them to see him as the stabilizing option.
Romeu does have other suitors from La Liga, and although others are interested, Sevilla appears to be the most concrete, with Romeu’s entourage being open to moving if it meant that he would play regularly.
Barcelona’s decision to release Romeu falls in line with their concentrated efforts on youth, as players like Pedri and Marc Casado have been given the preference in midfield.
Likely, a termination of his contract would enable there to be no transfer fee and allow him to immediately join Sevilla.
This move could refresh Romeu’s career after a lackluster few seasons in Barcelona, and add a solid veteran presence in Sevilla’s midfield to help them improve their table standing and ensure their tightly run club’s ambitions.
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