Ex-Barcelona star Sergi Roberto considering free-agent move to European giants this summer - Reports
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Ajax has approached former Barcelona midfielder Sergi Roberto for a summer move. The Spaniard is currently a free agent after leaving the Catalan club upon the expiration of his contract last month.
Roberto joined the Blaugrana's academy from Gimnastic de Ta in 2006 and was at the club until last month. He made 373 appearances, scoring 19 goals and providing 43 assists. Primarily a midfielder, he also operated as a fullback at times.
Roberto was Barcelona's captain last season but made just 24 appearances across competitions, scoring three goals and providing three assists. He started just 15 of those games, though. The 32-year-old's contract expires last month and he's a free agent now.
Manager Hansi Flick has hinted that there is no chance of Roberto getting a contract extension, saying:
"He’s NOT Barça player, as things stand."
As per Fabrizio Romano, Roberto has a few options now and he will assess them in the upcoming days. Ajax are among the clubs interested in signing him as they look to bounce back after a poor 2023-24 season. They finished fifth in the Eredivisie, 35 points behind winners, Feyenoord.
Hansi Flick explains what to expect of him at Barcelona
The Blaugrana sacked Xavi Hernandez at the end of last season, which ended without a trophy for them. They appointed Hansi Flick as their new manager and the German is set for his first pre-season as Barcelona manager.
He was recently asked, in an interview, about his playing style and his aim for the 2024-25 season. He said that his style isn't too different from legendary Barcelona managers like Pep Guardiola and Johan Cruyff, saying (via Barca Blaugranes):
"I am not far away from the idea Barça played before when they had this unbelievable success with [Johan] Cruyff or Pep [Guardiola]. I want a team on the pitch that is active, with the ball and without the ball, dictating the rhythm of the play."
About what he wants from his side in the upcoming season, Flick said:
“[The aim is] to play well, of course, but also to give everything on the pitch and be well prepared. The players have to show how it works on the pitch. For me, it’s crucial that you give 100% in training.
“I am not saying we will win every title, but if we work hard we can achieve and have options to be successful. We know hard work and results count, nothing else, but I am looking forward to this.”
Barcelona will take on Manchester City in their first pre-season friendly on July 30 in the US. They will also face arch-rivals Real Madrid, AC Milan, and AS Monaco in pre-season.