Barcelona offer 30-year-old defender one-plus-one extension – report

Barcelona are one of the few clubs in the world that can claim to regularly keep two of their four captains on the bench. While Jordi Alba has seen his fair share of minutes, it is Sergi Roberto who is the more severely affected of the two as he whiles away his time on the Catalan bench.

According to reports from Gabriel Sans, Barcelona have offered Roberto a one-year contract extension with the option to prolong it for another season subsequently. However, the optional year will depend on the number of games played by the right-back.

Further, it is also said that the terms of the new deal will see the La Masia graduate occupy less space on the club’s wage bill as it includes a wage cut.

Roberto renewed his deal with Barcelona last summer and signed for one season in a deal that came amidst severe controversy.

After all, the defender was still recuperating from a serious injury at the time and had not contributed on a field for months at a stretch when he signed the papers.

Roberto has not been a regular player this term too, with Xavi preferring Jules Kounde or Ronald Araujo at right-back based on the occasion. However, the 30-year-old is seen as a versatile and valuable backup option by Xavi, who has also assured the player of minutes.

Given Hector Bellerin’s departure, Roberto could see a bigger role at right-back in the second half of the campaign for Barcelona. His ability to cover as a rotating midfield option adds to his repertoire and improves his utility in the manager’s plans.

Roberto has started just five La Liga games for the Blaugranas this term, although he has come off the bench seven times. In that duration, he has scored two goals and averages close to three defensive actions per game.