Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is keen on bringing Barcelona’s Sergi Roberto to the Etihad next season if reports are to be believed. Pep was the one who gave Roberto his first-team debut back when he was the manager of the La Liga giants.
As per Mundo Deportivo, there have also been talks of Sergi Roberto being exchanged in deals to bring Lautaro Martínez or Miralem Pjanić to the Nou Camp, while City are interested in him as well. Both Guardiola and City football director Txiki Begiristain know him well. The report further says that Barca don’t want to do an exchange deal with City and that they will have to pay a transfer fee to secure Roberto’s services.
The Spanish international’s current deal with the club expires only in 2022.
Sergi Roberto: A smashing move by Pep?
Sergi Roberto is an incredibly versatile footballer, who has arguably played all over the pitch except in goal. Primarily a central or defensive midfielder, Roberto has been used as a right-back over the last few seasons, a role in which he has excelled. He has played over on the left side as a left-back, as well as wide midfielder or winger.
The 28-year-old is a strong player, who has a tenacious character about him that has won over the managers he has played under. Roberto is a hard-working player who tracks back and defends with all his heart while contributing impressively in attack too. Having featured in over 270 games for the Barcelona senior team, and won numerous trophies, Roberto has a winning mentality that would be welcomed at most clubs across Europe.
City could do with a versatile player like Roberto, who would add steel and experience to the midfield area, while also being dependable and technically sound at right-back. Pep’s admiration for multi-purpose players is well known and Sergi Roberto’s fearless attitude with the ball and technical acumen will also be something he could use in the City side as teams begin to look more comfortable in dealing with the Sky Blues with Pep entering his fifth season at the club next campaign.
The Catalan genius knows the player well and is expected to be equipped with the knowledge on how to bring out the best in him. City will undergo a few changes in the coming transfer windows and the signing of Roberto could help them plug a few gaps which might result due to the impending departures.
