According to a report by Sport, Manchester City are interested in signing FC Barcelona’s versatile player Sergi Roberto this summer. The Premier League champions offer to sign Spaniard last summer but the deal fell off as Roberto was not interested. But the situation has changed this time as the Catalans are keen to offload the defender/midfielder.
Sergi Roberto joined Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy in 2006 and rose through the ranks for his first-team appearance. The Spaniard was given his breakthrough in November 2010 by Pep Guardiola. Since then, he has appeared 300 times for the Catalans. However, Roberto had to leave his primary position in the midfield and fill up the right-back spot in order to keep his name on the first team sheet.
But, his long journey at Camp Nou is likely to come to an end this summer. Roberto was not the first option in the right-back spot last season as Ronald Koeman preferred Sergino Dest. While the Spaniard was mostly out of the team last season due to his injury. Following which Koeman has completely marked Roberto out his plans for next season. Another reason for Roberto’s departure is Emerson Royal. Barcelona bought Royal for 9 million from Real Betis this summer as a new addition to the backline. And he is likely to fight for the right-back spot with Dest.
The Spaniard has still one year left with the Catalans, but due to his less game time, he will leave this summer. While Barcelona have also listed for transfer in order to get rid of his wage and restructure the club next season. Currently, as per reports, Roberto has an option to move to England, as Manchester City are interested to sign him this summer.
Manchester City are looking to sign Sergi Roberto this summer
Manchester City have been after Sergi Roberto for a year now, as they approached to sign him last summer. But Roberto’s agent informed that he is not available for transfer as he was happy playing at Barcelona. However, the tables are turned as Spaniard is willing to leave Barcelona this summer.
Pep Guardiola has a great set of players for the next season. But he might be worried about not having some options for the right-back spot and holding midfielder spot. Manchester City have Kylie Walker as their first option in the right-back, but they have doubts about their second option Joao Cancelo. While Guardiola also wants a second option for the 36-year-old Fernandinho.
Following these two issues, Guardiola have identified signing Sergi Roberto this summer. As both, the position can be filled by the versatile Roberto. However, City have not revealed how they will approach the Barcelona camp for signing the Spaniard.
As per some reports, it seemed City will offer Aymeric Laporte in a swap deal for signing Roberto. But that seems unlikely as Laporte’s valuation is much high as compared to Roberto. So, it is likely that City will be paying cash in order to secure the services of the versatile Sergi Roberto. So, let’s wait and see if City will finally get their man this summer or not.
