Sergi Roberto makes Barcelona assumption amid West Ham United links
West Ham United transfer target Sergi Roberto has assumed his time at Barcelona is over following contract talks, according to AS.
The Spanish publication reported in their print edition (27 July, page 9) that the out-of-contract star met with Barcelona sporting director Deco this week, but was only offered a deal under “extreme conditions”.
Roberto is reportedly still in the club’s plans despite being “last in line” for a new contract to be enrolled in line with LaLiga’s salary margin rules, and as such the Spaniard is considering his options.
The 32-year-old, who plays in midfield or at right-back, has therefore assumed he will not continue his time at Barcelona, as West Ham and other clubs in England and Europe circle for his signature [Catalunya Radio, 26 July].
Sergi Roberto transfer would be ideal short-term fix for West Ham
Although he’s now 32, and managed just 24 appearances in all competitions last season, there’s little doubt that Roberto has the capability to do a job at the top level, and could be just what the Irons need.
Right-back is one of the positions which new head coach Julen Lopetegui has prioritised this summer, but after a high-profile move for Noussair Mazraoui fell through [Florian Plettenberg, 26 July], the Hammers are back at square one.
Similarly, Lopetegui has looked to bolster his midfield following a long-term injury to Edson Alvarez [Fox Sports, 26 June], and Roberto would provide ample cover in both aforementioned positions and not requiring a transfer fee.
The Hammers have already shelled out big money on Max Kilman and Luis Guilherme this summer, with another centre-back transfer in the works and Jhon Duran seemingly on the verge of arriving next.
Given that these moves could accumulate to over £100million in spend, adding Roberto for free would not only provide cover in multiple positions, but also bring big-game experience to Lopetegui’s new-look squad and free up the funds to pursue more necessary transfers elsewhere on the pitch.
In other West Ham news, the Irons’ Women’s side will have to wait to reap the benefits of their latest high-profile signing.
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