- 15 hours ago
Barcelona closing in on key contract extension
Barcelona are closing in on an agreement to extend the contract of Sergi Roberto until June 2024.
The Spaniard is out of contract in June but Fabrizio Romano reports that the Catalan side are set to reward him with fresh terms that will include performance-related add-ons in addition to a salary.
The right-back is now discussing the final details with his side ahead of concluding the contract extension.
The academy graduate played just 12 times last season but has had more of a role to play this term, making 18 outings in all competitions so far.
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Hector Bellerin's departure to Sporting Lisbon has opened up more opportunities for Roberto, though he still remains down the pecking order, with Jules Kounde Xavi’s first-choice player for the right-back position.
Xavi played along with Roberto for a number of years during Barca’s golden era.
The defender has been with the club his entire career - starting with Barcelona’s youth side in 2009, before making his debut for the senior team the following year.
Roberto's La Liga hopes
Roberto recently touched on the impact his former teammate had made on the side and their ambition to secure the La Liga title. He told the club website: "This would also be the first title since Xavi became manager. He set out his camp after he arrived and we have all worked hard, but it is titles that will really drive us higher. But we are going about things the right way and hopes are high for this week."
He continued: "I hope 2023 starts as well as possible and I plan to do everything I can to help the team, in whatever way is needed. I hope to stay fit, because that will mean I can perform to my best. I don't think I have ever worked this hard."