Barcelona captain could leave next season as contract renewal negotiations break down

Sergi Roberto is one of the longest-serving members of this current Barcelona squad. A product of the club’s La Masia youth setup, the 29-year-old made his first-team debut way back in 2010 and has been part of the furniture ever since, racking up over 300 appearances.

Never really a regular in the starting lineup, the Spaniard has been a handy utility man for the Catalans. A central midfielder by trade, he has been filling in at right-back in recent seasons.

Roberto became one of the club captains alongside Sergio Busquets, Gerard Pique and Jordi Alba following the departure of Lionel Messi. Unlike the rest of the captains, though, the 29-year-old is yet to finalise a pay cut due to his current contract situation.

Roberto has entered the final year of his deal, and talks over an extension have been going on for quite some time. Only recently, Barcelona president Joan Laporta spoke about the situation, saying that an extension was only a matter of time.

Roberto himself addressed the situation last week, as he said, “Yes, I am optimistic. The president has already spoken. It’s been a busy summer, a lot has happened, and there are still things around the team going on, but as the president said, I am confident and I think it will be sealed soon.”

However, according to the latest information from Onda Cero’s Alfredo Martinez, that might not be the case. The journalist claims that talks over a new deal between Barcelona and Roberto have broken down completely, to the extent that the 29-year-old could now be on his way out of the club at the end of the season when his contract runs out.

Roberto has started just two La Liga games so far in the ongoing campaign. His potential departure should not be a significant blow for the club, given his reduced stature within the squad. Selling him in January could be a better move for Barca, though, as it would allow them to recoup some transfer fee.