Barcelona have no intention of renewing Atletico Madrid-bound defender – report

Once hailed as a cult hero for his remontada goal vs Paris Saint-Germain and the marauding run vs Real Madrid, Sergi Roberto’s stocks have fallen drastically.

In fact, he is so far below the pecking order, Barcelona have decided not to offer him a contract renewal, according to MARCA. Instead, they will prioritise Gavi and Ronald Araujo’s contracts, which are set to expire next year.

Roberto is set to become a free agent in the summer, and has been strongly linked with a move to Atletico Madrid. Diego Simeone is a fan of the player, and would be willing to bring him to the Wanda Metropolitano, especially on a free transfer.

In the last weeks, MLS teams were also quoted to be interested in the 30-year-old, but it seems the player has discarded any move to the USA as it stands.

Barcelona’s decision to not renew Roberto comes on the back of two possible reasons. Firstly, the team has two right-backs in the roster already in Sergino Dest and Dani Alves, while being rumoured with moves for Noussair Mazraoui and Cesar Azpilicueta.

Secondly, Roberto has struggled with injury through the last two seasons. He participated in just the 21 games last season, with three goal contributions to his name.

While he has managed to mirror his output with two goals and an assist, the Spaniard has been fit for only 12 games all season. In fact, the last time he was fit was in November vs Espanyol.

As such, Roberto becomes surplus to Barça’s requirements in their young rebuild. The only way for him to stay is to take a massive pay cut, which he evidently does not want.