Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has reportedly informed Barcelona of his club’s interest in Sergi Roberto.
Spanish newspaper Sport claim City have notified the Catalans of their interest but reports also suggest that Roberto, who has a contract until 2022, is happy at the Nou Camp. Further talks between Barcelona and City will take place after the conclusion of the Champions League in August. Both clubs are still in the competition and want to avoid any distraction right now.
The Spanish player spent two seasons in the first-team with Guardiola as a manager, winning the La Liga title, the Copa del Rey, the Champions League, the FIFA Club World Cup and UEFA Super Cup.
The 28-year-old has amassed nine goals from 274 outings for the Blaugrana – and has made 39 appearances across all competitions during the 2019-20 campaign.
Man City chasing Sergi Roberto: A well-thought move by Pep
Throughout his youth career playing for Barcelona’s B team and occasional first-team appearances, Sergi Roberto made his name as an industrious and vibrant central midfielder. His progress was somewhat hindered since Sergio Busquets was already an established star in the central defensive midfield position alongside legends like Xavi and Iniesta.
His breakthrough came under Luis Enrique in the 2015/16 season wherein he played in several positions like midfield and often in the backline and registered 49 appearances in that season.
The 28-year old possesses the physical attributes of speed and body strength with technical passing range and the versatility to play in different positions by adapting to changing tactical discipline.
Sergi Roberto’s energy levels, commitment towards the gameplan and quick thinking are attributes which back his reputation as a formidable player.
Be it right-back, or central midfield, Sergi Roberto always gives his 100%, adapting to each position with ease. He might not be the most technically ingenious player, but his understanding of the game is top-notch, as is expected of a Barcelona player.
Pep Guardiola has not been entirely convinced by Joao Cancelo and even though there have been signs of the player hitting his stride towards the closing stages of the season, he has impressed mainly in the left-back role. The right side of the defence is still flaky and the player’s ability to play as a right-back, in central defence in emergency situations and also in the midfield is something which Pep finds attractive in his players.
Fernandinho will not be a City player for long and Roberto can easily fill in most of the central midfield positions if the need arises.
Roberto is now entering the final two years of his contract, which expires in 2022. There have not been any obvious signs he would push for a move or even favour a move away. But with the lack of stability at Barcelona currently and the fact that any firm interest from City would mean possibly his one shot at plying his trade in one of the most exciting leagues in the world under the Catalan genius, Sergi Roberto could well give this transfer some thought if talks between the clubs progress to such a stage.
Stats via Whoscored
