Romeu and Barça have agreement pending final negotiation with Girona

Oriol Romeu has become Barcelona's most realistic option to sign a midfielder to play in front of the defence. The coaching staff have given the player full approval and the player himself would be willing to accept an offer for the next two seasons, with an option for a third.

Barça are clear that the operation is feasible and this week they could contact Girona if there is total consensus withing the club's sporting area. Barça's idea is to negotiate the reduction of the clause with the inclusion of a player in part exchange.

The irruption of Romeu comes after sounding out the market. Xavi and a good part of the sports area understand that the former La Masia player is a coherent option with what is being looked for and they value his international experience and his formation as a pivot in the club's academy.

Xavi knows him well and knows that he has had an exceptional season at Girona. He feels he is ready to return to the club and would give the OK. A large part of the sporting area also sees him as an ideal candidate, but the new sporting director, Deco, would like to wait a while to see if there are other profiles on the market.

Romeu has been aware of Barça's interest for days and has already had a first proposal on the table. The agreement between Barça and the player would not be a problem and the Blaugrana hope that there will also be an understanding with Girona.

For now, they have not wanted to move forward out of respect for Girona and while waiting for a final sporting decision. As soon as this is clear, they will address the issue and believe that an agreement could be reached that is beneficial for all parties.

The midfielder has a termination clause of less than 10 million euros, but Barça know that this is a negotiable issue despite the fact that Girona's sporting officials have been saying that he would only leave if that clause is paid. The Blaugrana are working on a first scenario of a fifty-fifty reduction by including some young talent from the youth academy in the deal. And there are names that could fit although they want to talk it over with the Catalan club first. 

Xavi would like to close the defensive midfield chapter with the arrival of Romeu because he believes there will be no better option at such an affordable price.

If the coach finally gets his way, the idea is to move on as soon as possible so that Girona also have time to plan for the season as they will have to find a replacement for him. Romeu has been the leader of the team and it will not be easy to find a player of his quality and profile on the market.