Barcelona midfielder believes the club is set to give him an ‘invitation to leave’

Sergi Roberto’s rise, and eventual fall has been one for social media to witness. The midfielder came through the La Masia ranks and became the perfect Swiss knife for a number of managers for the better part of the next decade.

Luis Enrique deployed him in nearly seven different roles, ranging from full-backs, centre-back, across the midfield, and on either wing. Roberto also went on to become a cult hero under Lucho, scoring the iconic winner against PSG and acting as a catalyst for Lionel Messi’s winning goal vs Real Madrid in the same season.

At this point, though, Roberto is considered a surplus to needs by both the management and fans.

In fact, according to Mundo Deportivo, the Spaniard believes that the next contract renewal offer that will be tabled for him will be so low that it will basically be ‘an invitation to leave’.

Roberto’s contract clocks up this summer, and while there were reports of the two parties reaching a middle ground for a two-year renewal, it seems Barça have backtracked on the same.

The administration, as per multiple reports, the 30-year-old to accept a significantly lower salary and a rotation role. They believe that Roberto is no longer a necessary requirement in the team, even though Xavi Hernandez has spoken highly of him.

Sergino Dest and Dani Alves have been impressive all season at right-back, and youngsters such as Nico Gonzalez, Gavi, and Pedri have inscribed their name into the midfield along with Sergio Busquets and Frenkie de Jong.

Not to forget that Barcelona are seriously considering bringing in Noussair Mazraoui from Ajax on a free transfer in the summer. Moreover, Alves could well extend his contract till at least next year with the World Cup in sight.

Roberto has been linked to a number of clubs in the past including Arsenal and Manchester City. Recent reports, however, suggest that he could be on his way to the USA, with LA Galaxy interested in signing him.