Barcelona is just a few days away from starting preseason training, and Hansi Flick has already set his first priorities. The German coach, now established on the Barça bench, is looking to start the new season with a streamlined squad that's adapted to his play style. That's why he has asked Deco to speed up the departures of several players who aren't in his plans.
The goal is to prevent these footballers from joining the first sessions, which could cause distractions at a key moment for establishing discipline and defining the sports project. The list of players to be released isn't small, and one of the most delicate cases is directly related to the midfield. This is an area where Flick believes the team has an overpopulation of players.
The first player pointed out by Flick
Among the players whose days are numbered, Oriol Romeu stands out. The Catalan midfielder hasn't convinced the coaching staff, who have already told him that he must look for a new destination. Flick has been clear with Deco: he doesn't want Romeu to be part of the group when work resumes.
Oriol Romeu, who returned to Barça last summer after his time at Girona, didn't manage to establish himself in the first team. Xavi Hernández gave him minutes in the first part of the season while he was in charge, but he gradually lost prominence until he was loaned out to Girona. His performance at Montilivi also didn't bring him back to the level he showed in previous campaigns, and now it's a fact that he won't have the chance to prove himself to Flick in preseason.
Uncertain future and no offers
Barça shares Flick's position and is willing to let Romeu leave as soon as possible. Joan Laporta believes that keeping the midfielder would only be an obstacle to giving space to young prospects and new signings. However, the operation isn't simple.
Romeu has a contract in force until 2026 and, for now, there aren't any clubs that have shown firm interest in acquiring his services. Barça knows that recovering the millions it paid Girona for his signing is practically impossible, and it also doesn't rule out a loan to lighten the wage bill and free up space. In this regard, Deco is working against the clock to find a satisfactory solution.
The alternative of terminating Romeu's contract is on the table, although it would involve a considerable severance payment. Meanwhile, the player doesn't intend to give up his contractual bond. In fact, he's calm as he waits for proposals that fit both him and the club.
Meanwhile, Flick remains firm in his request: he doesn't want Romeu to be part of the group when preseason starts. The board will have to take action in the coming days to solve a scenario that threatens to become a logistical and financial problem.