Barcelona is reportedly set to part ways with veteran midfielder Oriol Romeu, with plans to amicably terminate his contract and allow him to leave as a free agent. According to Mundo Deportivo, the club has already informed Romeu of its decision, and negotiations are ongoing to resolve the final year of his contract.
Romeu, who will be 34 later this year, still has a contract that runs to June 2026 but is now officially not part of Barcelona’s future plans. The club want to save on his final year’s wages and will hand him a free transfer, should he agree.
The Catalan midfielder returned to Barça in 2023 after a spell in Girona; back on native soil, in the very club in which he grew as a player at the magnificent La Masia academy. I read that Romeu started the season under the new Head coach Xavi as a regular holding midfielder, anchoring and stabilising his young team’s midfield. However, he fell out of favour as the season progressed and ultimately lost his starting spot.
He was then loaned back to Girona for the 2024–25 season, making 31 appearances and playing a crucial role in their successful season. Girona had a purchase option at the end of the loan, which they ultimately decided not to exercise, so Romeu returned to Camp Nou at some point earlier this summer.
And as Barcelona strives to reduce its wage bill and bring in young blood, Romeu’s departure looks inevitable. The club believes that a mutual termination will not only help them reduce the wage bill but will also give Romeu more opportunities to find a team that will offer him a better contract, as he will be available on a free transfer.
It remains to be seen where the former midfielder will end up next, as his talent and experience would bring significant leadership and stability to any midfield, and he would also benefit from his familiarity with both the Premier League and La Liga.
It is thought that a deal will be sealed in the coming days, at which both Barcelona and Romeu will part company in a dignified manner.
