Official: Sergi Roberto signs new Barcelona contract
Sergi Roberto has put an end to speculation over his future by signing a new one-year contract with Barcelona. It will expire on 30 June, 2023.
The 30-year-old came through the Catalans youth academy, having signed initially with the club in 2006 as a 14-year-old. He has since gone on to play more than 300 times for the first team.
There had, however, been serious questions as to whether he would remain at Camp Nou beyond the end of his contract, which expired on 30 June.
Back in October 2021, his contract extension seemed like a formality. Indeed, president Joan Laporta had stated that "the only thing missing is a signature" when asked about the deal at the time.
𝐒𝐄𝐑𝐆𝐈 𝐑𝐎𝐁𝐄𝐑𝐓𝐎 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟑 💙❤️ #MadeInLaMasia pic.twitter.com/pIWA1irApy
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) June 10, 2022
It proved that he had gotten ahead of himself, though, with Sergi Roberto apparently turning down Barcelona's best offers.
Although there was talk of interest from Arsenal, nothing materialised, and all the while discussions were still going on in the background.
€400m buy-out clause for Sergi Roberto
These have eventually borne fruit, with Sergi Roberto's new one-year deal with the club confirmed on Friday.
A note on the club's official website confirmed: "FC Barcelona and the player Sergi Roberto have reached an agreement to extend his contract until 30 June 2023. The player's buy-out clause will be set at €400 million."
The club will benefit from the player's experience and versatility as he is able to fill in both at right-back and in the centre of the field.
Sergi Roberto played only 12 times for Barca in 2021/22, with his contribution badly hampered by a hamstring injury that kept him on the sidelines since October. He has not yet featured under Xavi but will have that opportunity next season.