Barcelona defender’s contract renewal imminent, new deal until 2024 – report

In a major update, reliable journalist Helena Condis is reporting that Barcelona second captain Sergi Roberto is close to renewing his contract with the club until the summer of 2024.

The 31-year-old right-back’s current contract with the club expires at the end of the ongoing campaign. Reports earlier this month had claimed that the Catalans had tabled a new one-year contract offer with an option of an additional year.

Manager Xavi Hernandez is understood to be intent on keeping hold of Roberto as he values the La Masia product’s versatile nature, tactical and positional understanding, and experience.

Some media outlets in Spain had suggested that Roberto had rejected that proposal as he was not happy with the additional one-year option.

But, now, Helena Condis is reporting that the two parties are close to reaching an agreement over a one-year contract that will run until the summer of 2024.

As per the update, Roberto will continue on the same terms as he is currently on, having agreed to a 40% pay cut last year when he signed a new deal.

The versatile right-back will pocket a low fixed salary and will have a number of performance-related variables as part of the contract, adds the COPE journalist.

Once Roberto’s contract situation is taken care of, Barcelona will likely turn their attention towards retaining their first captain Sergio Busquets.

The 34-year-old veteran is also out of contract in the summer, but Xavi wants to retain his services. His wages would be an issue, but reports indicate that Busquets is willing to take a drastic pay cut in order to renew for another year.