Sridhar Bhamidi
Manchester United are ready to activate Barcelona midfielder Sergi Roberto’s release clause, according to Spanish publication Don Balon. The Spanish youngster has a release clause of €40million and is attracting interest from the Red Devils.
Roberto is a product of the famed La Masia academy of Barcelona, progressing through the ranks. He broke into the first-team set up in 2013 although Roberto struggled to set himself as a first team regular.
However, it was under Luis Enrique’s guidance last year that his versatility came to the fore and to Barcelona’s rescue. The midfielder’s big break came as a right-back last season, as Barcelona struggled to find a replacement for Dani Alves.
The 25-year-old was played ahead of regular right-back Aleix Vidal and made 47 appearances for the Catalonians. However, he still wants to regularly feature in the midfield for Barcelona, which is his preferred position.
New signing Nelson Semedo would definitely relieve him of right-back duties but the capture of former Tottenham Hotspur flop Paulinho from China has put additional question marks over his midfield ambitions.
Paulinho’s Signing A Boon For Roberto Chasers
It is surprising that Barcelona chose to go after Paulinho rather than promote Roberto to his favored central midfield role. Whatever is the reason, it looks like new boss Ernesto Valverde will use Roberto as a bit-part player.
His versatility surely appeals for Jose Mourinho and his addition will add depth to the central midfield department. The Red Devils are looking to compete for titles in all four competitions and the 25-year-old could get to play more at Manchester United than at Barcelona – although it is conjecture.
Having already allowed Timothy Fosu-Mensah to join Crystal Palace on a season-long loan deal, Mourinho is left with only Matteo Darmian as a back-up for Antonio Valencia.
Roberto’s signing would help in solving that problem and would add depth to the right-back position – surely a boon for Mourinho in his chase to strengthen the squad further.
Will Roberto Join?
That’s a big question because there are reasons for both sides of the argument. Staying back at Barca will help him get back his favored midfield role because usurping Paulinho should be easy. On the other hand, moving to Old Trafford would mean a better role and a bigger chance to establish himself in a World Cup year.
Which route will the youngster take? We’ll have to wait to find out.
