Barcelona is intensifying their interest in Girona midfielder Oriol Romeu and plans to hold discussions with his agent, according to sources close to ESPN’s Sam Marsden and Moises Llorens.
Romeu, 31, began his career in Barcelona’s academy before joining Chelsea in 2011. He has been identified as a cost-effective option to potentially replace the departing Sergio Busquets.
Initially, Xavi Hernandez, Barcelona’s coach, prioritized Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi and Bayern Munich’s Joshua Kimmich.
However, due to the club’s financial circumstances, they have been compelled to explore alternative options, with Romeu being considered as a potential candidate.
“We need to strengthen [at the base] of the midfield but we are in a tricky situation [financially],” Xavi said at the launch of his soccer school on Thursday. “We don’t have the privilege of being able to sign who we want, so we have to adapt.”