Xavi wants Barcelona to renew 30-year-old defender as an ‘absolute priority’

For the nth time in his Barcelona tenure so far, Xavi has chosen to take a controversial stand in favour of a player who is not the most popular among fans. Once again, this player happens to be none other than Sergi Roberto.

The Remontada hero was close to leaving the club on a free transfer last season when Xavi publicly demanded his renewal. The Barcelona administration was essentially forced to hand him a one-year extension at the time, albeit on lower wages.

Roberto has done chiefly well whenever called upon this season, but has been struggling with injuries again.

That evidently does not bother Xavi too much, though, as Mundo Deportivo report that he has asked Barcelona to renew his contract as an ‘absolute priority’. The board are ready to comply with the coach’s request.

Xavi has informed Roberto about his decision, too, and has complimented him for his performance. He has told his agents to leave all offers they receive in the coming months on ‘stand-by’ as he prioritises staying in Barcelona.

One of the main reasons why the 42-year-old coach is interested in retaining the Spaniard’s services is because of his versatility. He has operated as a defensive midfielder, central midfielder, and of course, as a right-back this season alone.

In the past, too, Roberto has slotted in as a centre-back, left-back, attacking midfielder, and even a right-winger.

Previously, it was reported that the 30-year-old is more than happy to stay in the Catalan capital, but will not take another pay-cut.

He is one of the low-earners of the squad now, but it remains to be seen if Barcelona are ready to table anything more than a solitary year of extension to him.