Neymar’s departure in the summer seems to be placed Barcelona on high alert ever since. When the Brazilian had signed for Barcelona back in 2013, the Catalan club had placed a mammoth release clause in his contract. However, Paris Saint Germain’s rich owners shocked the footballing world by agreeing to pay the clause and bring in the Brazilian superstar to France. The blockbuster move saw Paris Saint Germain pay a fee of $262 million to seal the deal.
Neymar’s transfer changed the game overnight with clubs now highly concerned for each and every player’s release clause. The latest example came through Sergi Roberto who has reportedly agreed a four and a half year extension on his contract with Barcelona. The new deal, which runs till 30 June, 2022 will see Roberto have a mind-boggling buyout clause worth around 500m euros.
The 25-year old midfielder is a versatile player and can fill in on multiple positions depending on his team’s needs. Roberto joined Barcelona’s famous youth academy La Masia aged 14 and has been at the club ever since. He made his first senior team appearance back in November, 2010 in a 5-1 Copa del Rey win against Ceuta at the Camp Nou.
He spent the next three years walking in and out of the first team before cementing his place in the senior squad in 2013. The Spanish player has made close to 180 appearances for the Catalan club scoring 7 goals in the process. His most famous goal perhaps came last season when he scored the final goal in Barcelona’s historic 6-1 win over PSG to stage a thrilling come back.
He has won countless honours with the Catalan side including 4 La Liga titles, 4 Copa Del Reys, 2 Champions Leagues, 4 Spanish Supercopas, 2 European Supercups and 2 Club World Cups. His ability to adapt his game has seen him adapt and improvise his play to suit the need of the club. Dani Alves’ departure left a huge void at the club and Roberto has proved himself to be a good enough replacement by cementing his place in the first team. He has played 25 games under new boss Ernesto Valverde and is an integral member under his set up.
Roberto’s extension of his contract will see Barcelona ease up on a matter of great worry for the Catalan side who have had to make several defensive adjustments in the last few years owing to the departure of several key players in the backline.
