Manchester United target Sergi Roberto says he wants to stay at Barcelona this summer, despite rumours of interest from various clubs. The Spanish midfielder has often been used as a squad player for the Catalan club, but at the age of 25, it is probably Sergi Roberto’s time to start becoming a prominent part of whatever club he is contracted to. At Barcelona he has been a ‘jack of all trades’ type player, often being deployed at right back rather than his preferred central midfield, so it was believed that he would be open to a move away from the Nou Camp if the right teams came calling.
Paulinho’s recent arrival from Chinese club Guangzhou Evergrande only intensified rumours linking Roberto with a move away, but despite the Brazilian’s arrival and Barcelona’s already glowing talent in midfield, combined with their desire to recruit further in the position – the player looks set to stay and fight for his place.
The 25-year-old has a £36million buy-out clause written into his current contract, with Manchester United and Chelsea supposedly plotting moves to bring him to England.
However, the Spaniard insists he is ‘happy’ at Barcelona and wants to become an even more important player for manager Ernesto Valverde this season. Speaking after the 2-0 La Liga victory over Real Betis on Sunday where Roberto scored the second goal, he said: “I’m happy, [against Real Madrid in the Super Cup] I was happy on a personal level and I felt comfortable today, too.”
“I played in my favoured midfield position. I started at the Bernabeu and the coach has given me confidence. I’ve scored today and I want to be important.”
“In pre-season I wasn’t starting, but now in the official matches I am playing more. I want to continue here and continue like this.”
Barcelona manager Valverde also expressed his desire for Roberto to stay, saying he is an influential member of his dressing room. “I am absolutely counting on him,” said the boss.
“In some games he will be a major player and in some games no, but he remains an important player.”
[Quotes via Metro]
So it looks as if both Manchester United and Chelsea are set to be disappointed with their pursuit for Sergi Roberto. With less than 2 weeks to go, both sides still have recruitment to do – so this news could be a big blow.