Barcelona ready to send contract extension offer to Xavi-favourite midfielder

Barcelona will have to navigate a fair few problems this summer, including looking for a new manager. However, that is just the tip of the iceberg, as the main concerns lie in the transfer window.

Due to the ongoing financial distress at the club, Barcelona will be unable to spend money once again to fill in the gaps in the squad, such as the holding midfield position, which has been crying out for a long-term quality replacement after Sergio Busquets’ exit.

Xavi tried using Oriol Romeu in that role, but after a decent early run, it became clear that the Spaniard could not fill in the big boots.

Since then, Ilkay Gundogan, Frenkie de Jong, and Andreas Christensen have all filled in the role to varying success.

But most recently, in light of injuries to de Jong and Pedri, Barcelona’s captain Sergi Roberto has also sparingly filled in the role, and not done half bad. And it seems his performances are set to be rewarded.

Barcelona sent contract extension to Roberto

According to a report from MARCA, Barcelona are set to send a contract extension offer to Roberto soon. Conversations with his agent are already underway, and the parties are optimistic.

Roberto has not been available an awful lot over the last couple of seasons, but Xavi, in particularly, seemed very happy with his performances and his level of training.

He had publicly demanded the extension of the Spaniard last season, as well, and the club obliged.

Roberto’s importance in the team reduced significantly following Joao Cancelo and Ilkay Gundogan’s signing. He has played 17 games this season, with one man-of-the-match performance – against Almeria, where he scored a brace.

In line to start vs PSG

Barcelona will soon take on PSG in the quarter-finals of the Champions League, and with Pedri and de Jong’s participation still in doubt, Roberto could well get the start in the first-leg.

The Spaniard had a stellar cameo against Napoli in the second-leg of the round of 16, assisting Robert Lewandowski for the second goal.

He is expected to start alongside Fermin Lopez and Gundogan on Wednesday.