Xavi's wants Sergi Roberto to stay at Barça but on one condition

Barcelona's Sergi Roberto is out of contract in June and has not renewed. He joined the club aged 14 from Gimnastic de Tarragona and his future, right now, is complicated because the offer he has received from the club does not match with what he has in mind. In September last year, everything seemed on track, but there were some big differences that led to the negotiations being postponed. The need to sign new players in January made it impossible to pick up talks.

The club's posture has not changed but the coach has. Xavi Hernandez now has a big voice in these types of operations. In this sense, he's always expressed himself clearly. "Sergi Roberto is an important player and I have transmitted that to the club," he said in December. And his opinion has not changed, as he has let the player know.

Xavi feels the Catalan, currently injured, is a versatile player that can play in midfield or a right-back and, therefore, could step into the role Dani Alves played against Atletico Madrid last weekend. Alves started at right-back but acted as a central midfielder when the team attacked. Roberto's tactical intelligence and versatility is highly valued by the coaching staff.

However, Xavi is also aware of Barça's financial problems as they make a huge effort to strengthen the squad, as seen in January when they made four signings. From there, he's positioned with those in charge of the club's finances. He wants to keep Sergi Roberto, but as long as the club and the player and can find an agreement that works. Xavi will be delighted if he renews, as long as the conditions fit the new parameters in place since Joan Laporta returned as president.