A soon-to-be ex-midfielder at Barcelona was initially scheduled to play a pivotal role in this weekend’s much-anticipated clash against Real Madrid. As reported by Mundo Deportivo, Oriol Romeu was the player chosen for this important position.
In the past 24 hours, Oriol Romeu has gained significant attention in Catalunya. This surge in focus follows the surprising news that the former Southampton player would be leaving Barcelona’s training camp in the USA.
The cause for this sudden exit? Romeu is returning to Spain to finalize a move to his previous team, Girona. He will join Barcelona’s Catalan rivals on loan for the entire 2024/25 season.
Had this unforeseen turn of events not occurred, the 32-year-old was set to play a crucial role in what would have been the most significant match so far under new Barcelona manager Hansi Flick.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Flick had expressed his reliance on Romeu and planned to feature him prominently in the American tour matches. Romeu had already come on as a substitute against Manchester City and was expected to play a leading role in the Real Madrid fixture, the second game of Barcelona’s tour.
This situation highlights the abrupt nature of Romeu’s departure. Although Flick had communicated his plans for Romeu’s involvement, the midfielder chose to notify Barcelona management of his intention to leave this week.
Romeu’s decision was influenced by the expectation that once Barcelona’s full roster of midfield stars returned to fitness, his role in the team would be significantly reduced.
Romeu’s move to Girona is significant both in its timing and what it represents for his career. Despite being set for an important role in a major match, Romeu opted to return to Girona, where he anticipates a more central role throughout the season.
This move reflects the intense competition within Barcelona’s squad and the challenges players face in securing consistent playing time.
Romeu’s exit also sheds light on the broader dynamics within Barcelona under Hansi Flick’s management. Flick, known for his strategic and often transformative approaches, had a clear vision for Romeu’s role in the team’s short-term plans. However, Romeu’s personal assessment of his future prospects led him to seek opportunities elsewhere.
