An insight into the expected knock-on effect of Xavi Hernández’s departure from Barcelona on the situation of Sergi Roberto has been provided this evening.
The subject of Xavi’s future, of course, has dominated the Spanish media headlines over the course of the last 24 hours.
This comes after the Spanish tactician, fresh off a damaging La Liga defeat at the hands of Villarreal, announced his decision to step down from his post upon the season’s close.
“I want to announce that on June 30 I will no longer continue as the coach at Barça. I think the situation needs to change course, and as a culer, I cannot allow the current situation,” he confirmed.
Whilst the ensuing chatter has largely centered on the likeliest candidates to replace Xavi, though, what does the former midfielder’s impending exit mean for Barca’s current crop of stars?
Well, as alluded to above, on Sunday, an insight into the knock-on effect expected to be felt by one high-profile member of the Blaugrana’s ranks has been provided.
The player in question? Sergi Roberto.
As per a report from Diario AS, Roberto, one of Barca’s captains, will now undoubtedly be on the move this summer.
The Spaniard had been in line for another one-year contract extension, under the direct request of boss Xavi.
However, with the latter now primed to step down, ‘the club currently has no intention of renewing the player’.
Conor Laird | GSFN
