Barcelona captain will leave the club at the end of the season – report

From Xavi Hernandez to Andres Iniesta, Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets, Barcelona’s first captains have always played an integral part in the team’s success on the field.

And while Sergi Roberto might not be seen as a player on that same level, the 31-year-old has always held a special place at Barcelona due to his commitment and dedication towards the club.

On his way out

Sergi Roberto, for long, has been admired by managers for his ability to cover various positions. For a team in transition, his versatile profile appeared to be a one-stop solution.

It is now clear that the times have changed. Xavi Hernandez has more qualified options for both the right-back position and the midfield and thus sees the Spaniard as a surplus.

According to reports from Toni Juanmarti, this will be Roberto’s final season at Barcelona.

His contract runs out in the coming June, and he will leave the club thereafter. A renewal does not appear to be on the cards.

Steep competition

Despite starting off as a midfielder, Sergi Roberto served his best years playing at right-back for Barcelona.

He was not the ideal full-back, for his defensive deficiencies often came to the fore. Yet, his La Masia background helped him join the buildup and orchestrate the play.

With Joao Cancelo coming in and making the right-back position his own, Roberto’s role in defence has been reduced to nothing.

After all, Xavi prefers using the likes of Jules Kounde and Ronald Araujo as emergency right-backs over the captain.

The competition in midfield is equally unforgiving. With Pedri, Gavi, Frenkie de Jong, Oriol Romeu, Fermin Lopez, and Ilkay Gundogan all in the running, there is no place left for Roberto to slot in.

Roberto’s departure, thus, would be the best solution for all parties involved. Saudi Arabia and the MLS are said to be his best-placed options looking ahead.