Barcelona offer Sergi Roberto new contract

Barcelona have offered Spanish right-back Sergi Roberto a new contract, according to Mundo Deportivo.

The La Liga club want to hand the 30-year-old a one-year extension with the option of another year.

However, the second year will only be activated after he plays a certain number of games during the first year.

Roberto’s current deal expires in June and he has revealed he wants to remain at Camp Nou beyond this season.

The Barca academy graduate took a significant pay cut when he signed a one-year contract extension in June 2022.

His new deal will come with different terms, and manager Xavi wants Roberto to remain with his side.

He has featured in 18 games across all competitions this term, weighing in with two goals and two assists.

Roberto has struggled with fitness issues over the last two seasons. He has lost his spot in the starting XI as a result, with Jules Kounde ahead of him in Xavi’s pecking order.

Ronald Araujo and Alejandro Balde have also been deployed in the position even when Roberto was available.

Barcelona are also in the market for a new right-back. They have lost Hector Bellerin to Sporting Lisbon and were keen to bring in a replacement last night.

However, a move for LA Galaxy right-back Julian Araujo did not go through before the transfer deadline closed.

The Catalans are now planning to lodge an appeal to FIFA in a bid to land the Mexico international.

Araujo’s arrival could further limit Roberto’s chances, but the 21-year-old will initially join the reserve team.

Roberto’s experience and quality remain of great value to the team, and having him around for one or two more years makes sense.