Sergi Roberto’s contract situation at Barcelona has drawn a lot of attention lately.
The 30-year-old versatile right-back has just a few months left on his current deal with the club and is set to become a free agent at the end of the season. Talks over a new deal had been launched at the start of the season, but no progress had been made.
Shortly after, the La Masia product picked up an injury that has kept him sidelined since late October. This led to a complete halt in negotiations with the club showing no urgency on the matter.
This left his side believing that the Catalan giants have no interest in extending his contract when his contract expires.
However, according to a new update from SPORT, manager Xavi Hernandez wants the club to offer him a new contract. Back in December, the first-team coach insisted he saw Roberto as part of his plans moving forward.
“Sergi Roberto is a fundamental player and that’s how I passed him on to the club” He said. The report adds that the manager appreciates the academy graduate’s versatile nature and his tactical understanding of the game.
At the same time, Xavi is aware of the club’s financial difficulties. So while he’s reportedly ready to keep Roberto, the 42-year-old wants the right-back to accept the reduced terms offered by the club.
During the week, it was claimed that Barca will ask the Spain international to take a 50% pay cut considering he is no longer a regular starter in the team.
Extension talks are expected to resume once Roberto returns from injury in April. It will definitely be interesting to see if the service man is ready to accept the lower wages or decides to leave Barca.
