🚨⚽FC Barcelona manager admits he won’t prevent a £35 million player from leaving this summer if they choose to go.

Barcelona’s manager has acknowledged that he won’t stand in the way of a £35 million player leaving this summer if they choose to depart.

A soon-to-be ex-member of Barcelona’s midfield was initially set to play a vital role in this weekend’s highly anticipated match against Real Madrid. As reported by Mundo Deportivo, Oriol Romeu was the player slated for this crucial role.

Oriol Romeu’s name has been prominently featured in the headlines across Catalunya in the past 24 hours. This sudden spotlight comes after the unexpected news that the former Southampton midfielder was set to leave Barcelona’s training camp in the USA.

The reason for this abrupt departure? Romeu is heading back to Spain to finalize a deal with his former club Girona. He is expected to join Barcelona’s Catalan rivals on loan for the entire 2024/25 season.

Had this unforeseen development not occurred, the 32-year-old midfielder was actually set to play a key role in what would have been the most significant match under new Barcelona manager Hansi Flick.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Flick had indicated that he was relying on Romeu and wanted to see him in action during the games in America. Romeu had already made a substitute appearance against Manchester City and was expected to take on a leading role in the fixture against Real Madrid, the second game of Barcelona’s tour.

This context underscores the surprising nature of Romeu’s departure. The midfielder, who had been informed by Flick of his important role in the upcoming games, chose to notify the Barcelona management this week of his desire to leave.

His decision was influenced by the realization that once Barcelona’s array of midfield stars returned to full fitness, his role within the team would be significantly reduced.

Romeu’s move to Girona is notable not just for its timing but also for what it suggests about his career path. Despite being earmarked for a key position in a crucial match, Romeu opted to return to Girona, a club where he believes he can play a more central role throughout the season.

This decision highlights the competitive nature of Barcelona’s squad and the challenges players face in securing regular playing time.

Romeu’s departure also reflects the broader dynamics within the Barcelona squad under Hansi Flick’s management. Flick, known for his strategic and often transformative methods, appeared to have a clear vision for Romeu’s role in the team’s immediate plans. However, the midfielder’s personal assessment of his long-term prospects led him to seek opportunities elsewhere.