Barcelona decision-makers split over a new contract for veteran midfielder

Barcelona director Mateu Alemany was scheduled to meet the agent of utility man Sergi Roberto on Tuesday to discuss a new contract. However, the meeting was postponed due to the media appearance of president Joan Laporta to explain the ticket fiasco.

Mundo Deportivo now reports that Alemany could meet Roberto’s agent Josep Maria Orobitg later today on Wednesday to try and thrash out a deal for the 30-year-old midfielder/right-back.

A product of the La Masia youth setup, the Spaniard has hardly been a regular in the side. But manager Xavi Hernandez values the tactical versatility and experience that he brings to the table and wishes for him to continue at Camp Nou.

Apart from the manager, president Joan Laporta is also of the opinion that Roberto should be handed a new contract by the club. But the same opinion is not shared by several other decision-makers at Camp Nou, including director Alemany himself.

Nevertheless, talks are going to be held over a new contract for Roberto, with his current one set to expire at the end of June.

The report adds that discussions were held last week as well, but Barcelona’s offer of a significantly lower and deferred salary over a two-year deal has not changed.

Roberto, for his part, wishes to stay put at the club. However, he is not willing to do so by foregoing a great portion of his salary, as he has other offers on the table.

So, it remains to be seen how negotiations go in the latest meeting, with both parties still quite far away from reaching an agreement.

While his future remains unresolved, the Spanish international is closing in on making a return from injury. Having been out on the sidelines since late October last year, the La Masia product has resumed team training ahead of this week’s La Liga clash against Real Sociedad.