Barcelona captain unlikely to stay at the club, looking at possible move to foreign clubs - Reports
Barcelona captain Sergi Roberto's future at the club is reportedly uncertain, as he is being linked with a move to a foreign club. The versatile midfielder has been an important part of the Catalan side's recent history, playing 373 games for the club's senior side since 2013.
The 32-year-old's contract, which expires later this month, looked set to be renewed while Xavi Hernandez was still the head coach. However, the midfielder-turned-coach was sacked unceremoniously, leading to rumors of Roberto's potential exit.
New manager Hansi Flick plans to focus on Barcelona's youth and the club are thus prepared to renew the contract of defensive midfielder Marc Casado, according to AS (via Barca Universal). This could eventually lead to Sergi Roberto's exit.
Casado has made five appearances for Barca's first team but mainly plays for their youth team. A new contract would reportedly see the 20-year-old get fully promoted into the first team, where he will take over from Roberto.
Roberto is now said to be looking at clubs outside of Spain, with interest reportedly coming from the English Premier League and Portugal.
Barcelona legend praises young prodigy Lamine Yamal
Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal is taking Spain by storm. The 16-year-old found a spot in the Barcelona first team, thanks to Xavi Hernandez, and he has repaid the head coach's faith in him.
Yamal played an impressive 50 games in all competitions for Barcelona last season, which saw him get called up to the Spain national team. Barca and Spain legend Gerard Pique has also praised the winger, telling Sport Bild (via Barca News Network):
“Lamine Yamal will define an era. There is a general generational shift in the EUROS… new players are emerging, like Lamine Yamal here in Spain; in Germany, it’s Musiala, and in England, they have Bellingham. There are several young players with a lot of potential, and the EUROS will be a turning point.”
Yamal has already provided an assist in the 2024 Euro, where he has made two appearances, and he will hope to continue this impressive form.