In a recent print edition, Mundo Deportivo (transcripted and translated by Sport Witness) has reported that Barcelona are open to selling Sergi Roberto amid interest from Manchester City this summer. It has been claimed that Pep Guardiola’s team have made one of the two offers that the player has received, but the Catalans are yet to hear anything about it themselves (via Mundo Deportivo).
Roberto’s Unimpressive Season In Spain
Roberto endured a frustrating season at the Nou Camp as he failed to help his side win the La Liga title last season. The Reus-born talent was involved in 39 matches for the Spanish outfit in the previous campaign, netting only one goal and grabbing two assists across various competitions.
The 28-year-old has been a multi-purpose player for Barca thus far but could only average 1.2 tackles, 1.1 interceptions, 1.0 clearances, 0.8 key passes and 0.5 dribbles per game in the Spanish top tier and the UEFA Champions League last season. However, Roberto deserves a lot of praise for spreading the ball well based on his pass success rate of 91.8% in league football (stats via whoscored).
The Spaniard missed a handful of games in the last term due to several injuries. However, when the Barcelona youth product has been fit and available for selection, he has served as a brilliant squad player at Catalonia due to his incredible versatility to play in various positions across the field. Roberto is primarily a central midfielder but can also play as a winger or as a full-back down the right flank. He can even fill in as a centre-back if his team needs him to step up in such a role.
What Will The Spanish Midfield Ace Bring To The Table?
Roberto is a great passer of the ball and can create some promising plays for his team in the offensive end of the field. He is a hard-working midfielder who can whip in some dangerous crosses into the opponent’s penalty box. The seven-time Spanish international can pull off a few vital clearances for his side as he is usually quick to read the danger inside his half.
Is Roberto The Right Fit For Man City?
Currently, the Mancunian giants have plenty of depth in their midfield department. However, Roberto’s addition would bring more competition for the right-back position and keep the likes of Kyle Walker and Joao Cancelo on their toes for a regular starting spot in Guardiola’s first XI.
Even though the Spanish midfield ace struggled to impress at Catalonia last season, yet he has got a lot of experience at the top level and could prove to be a useful squad player under Guardiola if he decides to move to the Etihad Stadium during this summer transfer window. Roberto’s passing accuracy and outstanding versatility makes him a good fit for Man City as he will help them challenge across multiple competitions in the coming seasons.
