Patrick Rees
Spanish news outlet Diario Gol (via the Daily Star) has reported that Barcelona midfielder Sergi Roberto is open to making a move to Manchester United if an opportunity comes knocking at his doors.
The 25-year-old Spanish international was made to play as right-back last season, even though he naturally isn’t, and in the process, made 32 league appearances, marking 6 assists. This followed up with Barcelona’s former coach Luis Enrique, praising Roberto’s professionalism, saying, “I watch a lot of games and I don’t see any better right-back than Roberto.” (ESPN)
Furthermore, it is being quoted that the player himself is in constant contact with Jose Mourinho and is keen on working with the Portuguese at Old Trafford. (Diario Gol)
But now with a change of guard at the Camp Nou, it is being reported that the Spaniard wants a full assurance of his first-team spot from Barcelona’s new manager Ernesto Valverde, as the club now have a natural right-back in Nelson Semedo. But as you can expect, Manchester United aren’t the only team vying for his signature, as Chelsea are in the foray as well.
Only last month, Catalan newspaper Sport reported that Chelsea are ready to pay Roberto’s €40million release clause. Having lost out to Manchester City in Danilo’s pursuit, Chelsea are looking for someone of similar irk and thanks to Roberto’s versatility, which allows him to play in multiple positions – as right wing-back too, he would be a perfect fit for Antonio Conte.
The Spaniard is naturally a central midfielder and can also be deployed as a defensive midfielder. However, should the transfer to the Theatre of Dreams go through, Roberto will be expected to work mainly as a winger, given the fact that he possesses excellent crossing abilities.
United have been heavily chasing Ivan Perisic, but with Inter playing a hardball, the Devils are expected to turn their heads – something similar to Alvaro Morata saga. Roberto’s versatility would come in handy for Mourinho given the fact that United have a poor track record of injuries.
