Barcelona yet to decide on captain’s renewal, future could be linked with Xavi’s continuity

Sergi Roberto turned out to be Barcelona’s unexpected savior against Almeria with a fantastic brace and a man-of-the-match winning performance from midfield.

He is one of the lowest-paid players in the squad and availed largely as a utility option, but despite his declining status in the squad, Roberto could not have represented the captain’s armband better.

And now SPORT have come out to report the possibility of Roberto’s continuation beyond this season.

Roberto and Barcelona will make an amicable decision

Although it cannot be regarded as a deal set in stone, Barça added a clause that claimed that in the event Roberto played a particular amount of games, his contract would automatically be renewed for a second season.

But as per the information, both the club and the player will sit down to discuss what is most convenient for all sides before deciding whether to extend his deal at the end of the ongoing campaign.

The report also argues that Roberto will only stay put if he feels he can continue contributing, as he is right now. If the player starts showing notable signs of decline, he will amicably depart.

Continuity linked with Xavi’s future

After the game against Almeria, Xavi heralded Roberto as an example for others to follow, praising him for motivating others at half-time, but also for two vital goal contributions.

And according to the report, if Xavi remains the Catalan giants’ coach, Roberto’s continuity in turn will also be guaranteed, as the coach values his presence immensely.

In his capacity as captain, he has managed to establish a good rapport with every group in the dressing room: the foreigners, such as Robert Lewandowski or Frenkie de Jong; the Spaniards, such as Ferran Torres or Pedri; and the youth players, such as Lamine Yamal or Fermin Lopez.

In addition to his efforts behind closed doors, though, the 31-year-old can be a valuable asset on the pitch too.

In his last two La Liga games, he has scored three goals, against Granada and recently Almeria, which is indicative of his worth as a secondary option.