Barcelona top rated player set to take a 50% salary reduction to renew
Sergi Roberto joined the club as a youngster in 2006 and worked his way through the ranks of the La Masia academy before making his senior debut in 2010 at the age of 18. His story is set to take yet another interesting turn now.
As per Catalunya Radio, Roberto is now set to extend his contract for another season at the Camp Nou after Xavi had requested to happen, and the player also taking a 50% wage cut, with reports suggesting he will earn approximately less than €6m.
Taking this wage cut will allow Barcelona to focus on improving many areas of the squad and focus on other contract renewals too.
Injury has restricted Roberto to perform and make many appearances this season. His last outing was in October and he has not managed to show Xavi his skills on the pitch yet.
However, Sergino Dest is set to be excluded from the squad due to injury meaning that Roberto could finally get game time under Xavi.
There were reports previously that Roberto wouldn’t extend and also had better offers from other clubs; however it seems as though he is valuing the project and the club rather than money.
In a press conference, Xavi spoke highly of the player by saying, “For me he’s a player who has to stay at the club… At the football level there is no doubt he has to be an important player for me and for the club as well.”
Roberto is a versatile player who can fluctuate between positions. He is a great option for Xavi as a right-back and as a midfielder too.
Roberto has been a key part of Barça’s squad until Koeman got sacked. He has had his fare share of mesmirising moments, including the 6-1 win against Paris Saint-Germain. Can he mirror his past performances under Xavi, though?
Written by Mohammed Ibrahim
