Girona midfielder Oriol Romeu has been linked with a shock return to Barcelona after a decade.
A talented graduate of La Masia, Roneu was part of the Barca squad that dominated the world under Pep Guardiola but struggled for game time, which eventually led to his exit in 2011.
As reported by Mundo Deportivo, Barca have established contact with the Spanish midfielder over a summer move, proposing a two-year deal with an option for the third.
Romeu has a release clause worth €10 million in his contract. The Catalan giants are looking to negotiate it by including players in the deal, but Girona will not move from their valuation.
Sergio Busquets’ departure to Inter Miami has left Barca with the mammoth task of finding his successor this summer.
The club’s financial troubles, coupled with the lack of sales, have led Barca to seek low-cost transfer targets in the summer window, as was the case with Ilkay Gundogan’s free transfer from Manchester City.
Romeu is another cheap option, and Xavi believes he could do well in place of Busquets.
After spending seven years at Southampton, the 31-year-old moved to Girona last summer and has since made a significant impact.
Although Frenkie de Jong and Franck Kessie can play in the holding midfield role, Xavi wants to bring in a natural number six to add depth to the position.
Ruben Neves was on Barca’s wishlist this summer before he moved to Saudi Arabian giants Al-Hilal in a record-breaking deal.
Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi is a preferred target for Xavi, but his expensive transfer fee may rule out a move to Camp Nou.
The Catalan giants are reportedly close to securing deals for two talented prospects – Arda Guler and Vitor Roque.
