FC Barcelona has reached a pivotal agreement to terminate the contract of one of its first-team players, with only minor details left to finalize the deal.
The move, expected to be completed as early as tomorrow, is part of the club’s ongoing efforts to streamline its squad and manage its financial constraints under La Liga’s stringent salary cap rules.
The decision underscores Barcelona’s commitment to reshaping its roster to align with manager Hansi Flick’s vision for the 2025/26 season, prioritizing dynamic and versatile players to compete at the highest level.
The player in question is Oriol Romeu, the 33-year-old defensive midfielder who returned to Barcelona in 2023 after a successful stint at Girona, as reported by Diario Sport.
Romeu, a product of the club’s famed La Masia academy, was initially signed to fill the void left by Sergio Busquets.
However, his second spell at the club has been underwhelming, marred by inconsistent performances and injuries, including a persistent knee issue that hampered his 2024/25 loan spell at Girona.
Despite his professionalism, which earned praise from club officials, Romeu has been deemed surplus to requirements by Flick, who favors a midfield anchored by younger talents like Frenkie de Jong, Gavi, and Marc Casado.
The termination agreement will see Barcelona pay a compensation package to Romeu, allowing him to leave as a free agent.
This move is critical for the club, as it frees up salary space to register new signings, such as Joan Garcia and Marcus Rashford, ahead of their upcoming match against Levante.
Romeu has attracted interest from several La Liga clubs, including Girona, Sevilla, Valencia, and newly promoted Real Oviedo, as well as MLS sides, offering him multiple options to continue his career.
Negotiations have been amicable, with Romeu training separately during Barcelona’s pre-season tour to focus on his next move.
This development marks the end of a challenging chapter for both Romeu and Barcelona.
As the club continues to navigate financial hurdles, this termination paves the way for a refreshed squad ready to compete in La Liga and beyond.
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