Barcelona-based newspaper Sport has claimed that midfielder / defender Sergi Roberto has received an offer from Atlético Madrid as part of a contract deal with FC Barcelona.
Sergi Roberto is a free agent after the season, and Barça manager Xavi Hernández would like him to stay at the club. However, it is assumed that the player’s salary demands are a non-starter for the financially strapped Barça. Interest in the Premier League has been indicated earlier, but the sport believes “everything shows” that Sergi will sign for Atlético this summer.
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The 30-year-old is noted for his versatility, with several Barça coaches over the years who have dismissed him as a winger, central midfielder and right back. He is also noted for his unfortunate injury record. Sergi has made just 24 appearances in LaLiga in the last two seasons, a total of under 1,400 minutes. He last played on October 27 and is recovering from the moment of hamstring surgery.
Sport is hardly the most reliable source in the world, and the report published this weekend can be considered as light details. But Journalist Matteo Moretto also indicated that Atlético have an interest in Sergi – whose low cost, ability to play various positions, and extensive experience in the Spanish league make it easy to understand why Atlético would consider signing him. He could come into the midfield as a replacement for Héctor Herrera or share minutes from the right back with Daniel Wass if Šime Vrsaljko is not offered a contract extension.
An issue would arise if Atlético Sergi as the Solution to either position, to get him at the expense of younger (and potentially more expensive) options. Much depends on whether the team qualifies for next season’s UEFA Champions League.
Following this weekend’s results, the Rojiblancos remain fourth in the LaLiga level with Barça on 54 points and three points behind Sevilla in second place. Atleti extended their lead over fifth-placed Real Betis to five points after the Verdiblancos scored a goalless draw with Celta Vigo on Sunday.
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