Sergi Roberto has offer from Atlético Madrid - report

Barcelona-based newspaper Sport has claimed that midfielder/full-back Sergi Roberto has received an offer from Atlético Madrid amid a contract standoff with FC Barcelona.

Sergi Roberto is a free agent after the season, and Barça manager Xavi Hernández would like for him to stay at the club. However, it is thought that the player’s wage demands are a non-starter for financially-strapped Barça. Interest from the Premier League has been indicated previously, but Sport believe “everything points to” Sergi signing for Atlético this summer.

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The 30-year-old is noted for his versatility, with several Barça coaches over the years deploying him as a winger, a central midfielder, and as a right-back. He’s also noted for his unfortunate injury record. Sergi has made only 24 appearances in LaLiga over the past two seasons, totaling under 1,400 minutes. He last played on Oct. 27 and is presently recovering from hamstring surgery.

Sport is hardly the world’s most reliable source, and the report published over the weekend can be considered light on details. But journalist Matteo Moretto has also stated that Atlético hold an interest in Sergi — whose low cost, ability to play multiple positions, and vast experience in the Spanish league make it easy to understand why Atlético would consider signing him. He could slot into midfield as Héctor Herrera’s replacement or share minutes at right-back with Daniel Wass if Šime Vrsaljko is not offered a contract extension.

An issue would arise if Atlético view Sergi as the solution at either position, acquiring him at the expense of younger (and potentially-pricier) options. Much will depend on whether the team qualifies for next season’s UEFA Champions League.

After this weekend’s results, the Rojiblancos remain fourth in LaLiga — level with Barça on 54 points and three points behind second-place Sevilla. Atleti expanded its advantage over fifth-place Real Betis to five points after the verdiblancos played out a goalless draw with Celta Vigo on Sunday.