FC Barcelona manager admits he won’t prevent a £35 million player from leaving this summer if they choose to go.

FC Barcelona’s manager has acknowledged that he won’t stop a £35 million player from leaving this summer if that player decides to go.

Oriol Romeu, a midfielder expected to play a vital role in the upcoming match against Real Madrid, is making headlines in Catalunya after news broke that he was leaving Barcelona’s training camp in the USA. According to Mundo Deportivo, Romeu is returning to Spain to finalize a loan deal with his former club, Girona, for the entire 2024/25 season.

Had this situation not arisen, the 32-year-old was set for an important position in what would be a key match for new manager Hansi Flick. Flick had indicated that he was counting on Romeu for the team’s games in America, where he already had a substitute appearance against Manchester City and was intended to play a leading role against Real Madrid.

This unexpected departure highlights the swift change in circumstances. Despite being informed of his important role by Flick, Romeu chose to inform Barcelona management of his desire to leave, motivated by the expectation that his playing time would decrease once the team’s other midfield stars returned to full fitness.

Romeu’s decision to join Girona reflects not just the timing but also his desire for a more significant role within a team. It underscores the competitive environment at Barcelona and the difficulty players face in securing consistent playing time.

Additionally, Romeu’s departure illustrates the dynamics of the Barcelona squad under Flick’s management. Although Flick had plans for Romeu’s involvement, the midfielder’s assessment of his long-term prospects prompted him to seek opportunities elsewhere.