Out-of-favour Barcelona star likely to stay after Hani Flick conversation - Reports
Barcelona midfielder Oriol Romeu is reportedly set to stay after talks with new boss Hansi Flick. The 32-year-old was expected to leave at the end of last season.
Ahead of the new season, Barca are grappling with a mini-injury crisis in midfield, with Pedri, Frenkie de Jong and Gavi missing due to injuries. Romeu - who assisted once in 37 games (starting 17) across competitions last season - was seemingly heading towards the exit door.
However, as reported by Catalunya Radio (via Barca Universal), Romeu has changed his mind of leaving the club after a conversation with Flick, under whom the player could have a role to play next season, especially amidst the injury crisis.
While a return to Girona was strongly reported, it seems Romeu is set to stay at the Camp Nou for at least another season, with his agent no longer looking for a new home for his client.
Having made his Barca debut way back in the 2010-11 season, Romeu has an assist in 39 games across competitions for the club, playing just twice in the aforementioned campaign.
Former Bayern Munich boss Flick has taken charge at the Camp Nou, succeeding previous boss Xavi, who left at the end of the 2023-24 season. It's the German's first managerial stint since parting ways with Germany late last year after a series of disappointing results.
A look at Barcelona's 2024-25 pre-season
Barcelona commence their 2024-25 pre-season on July 30 in Orlando against defending four-time Premier League winners Manchester City. Four days later, they lock horns with their arch-rivals Real Madrid in New Jersey. On August 6, Flick's side play AC Milan in Baltimore.
The Blaugrana are coming off a trophyless 2023-24 campaign - finishing behind La Liga winners Real Madrid. They also lost to their arch-rivals in the Supercopa Espana final.
In the UEFA Champions League and Copa del Rey, Xavi's side fell in the quarter-finals to PSG and eventual winners Athletic Bilbao respectively. Will a new boss bring about a change in their fortunes next season?