Barcelona’s sporting directors are working against the clock to finalize the pending transactions that will allow them to register the remaining players so that Hansi Flick can have all the players he needs this season. The most imminent departure involves veteran midfielder Oriol Romeu, whose contract termination has been practically completed this week.
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Romeu’s Departure Becomes Reality
In this sense, the closest exit is that of Oriol Romeu. The 33-year-old midfielder, barring any major surprises, will terminate his contract with the Catalan club this week, which expires on June 30, 2026. With his freedom under his belt, Romeu can return to Girona, where he played on loan, or choose one of the other offers from LaLiga or MLS that he has on the table.
Oriol Romeu is not being considered by Barcelona for this season, even though he has one year left on his contract. The native of Ulldecona will sign the termination of his contract and thus Gerard Martín can be registered to be called up for this Saturday’s match against Levante. The midfielder has already stopped training with the main group and has been conducting individual sessions at the Ciutat Esportiva.
The Strategic Impact of Romeu’s Exit
With his freedom secured, Romeu can return to Girona, where he played on loan last season, or choose from other offers from LaLiga clubs or Major League Soccer that he currently has on the table. Romeu is expected to re-sign with Míchel’s side, this time as a free agent, according to AS, although he also has offers from other Spanish league clubs and from MLS.
His departure will allow for the registration of Gerard Martín, an absolute priority for Hansi Flick because he counts on him as Balde’s backup and as an additional option to play as a left-sided center-back. The youth academy player can no longer be registered with the reserve team because he will turn 23. The coach would like to have him available to play this Saturday against Levante at the Ciutat de Valencia.
Financial Impact Analysis
| Transaction Type | Salary Impact | Registration Benefit | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Romeu Termination | Major savings | Enables Martín registration | This week |
| Peña Departure | Moderate savings | Additional roster space | Before window closes |
| Fort Loan | Minor savings | Squad size compliance | Before window closes |
| Casadó Transfer | Significant income | Multiple registrations | Under consideration |
Gerard Martín’s Crucial Registration
The youth academy player can no longer be registered with the reserve team because he will turn 23. Barcelona manager Hansi Flick spoke to the press on Friday ahead of his team’s second La Liga match of the season away to Levante, and the coach appeared optimistic that Martín could make the trip to València. “I hope [Gerard Martín] can be available against Levante. I’ve spoken to him, that’s my job. We’ll see what happens tomorrow.”
Flick would particularly like to have him available to play this Saturday against Levante at the Ciutat de Valencia. Despite Jofre Torrents’ emergence and minutes at Son Moix, Martin is considered the more versatile option. His physical presence and strength in the air have led Flick to test him at centre-back during pre-season. The departure of Inigo Martinez has left the squad without a left-footed profile in defence, and the coaches believe Martin can fill that gap.
Additional Pending Departures
The other two remaining departures are Iñaki Peña, who must renew his contract before leaving, and Héctor Fort. The young Barcelona full-back already knows from Deco and the German coach that the best option for him is to go to a team where he can get playing time. The most likely option is a loan, although a transfer with a buy-back option cannot be ruled out.
The Casadó Affair and Additional Registrations
With these two departures, Barcelona could now afford to sign Szczesny and Roony Bardghji. The Swedish winger’s transfer to the reserve team was ruled out because he won’t play any matches for Belletti’s team.
In principle, these are the most advanced operations, although a larger transfer for Marc Casadó cannot be ruled out, with many suitors and, given the intense competition for his position, he may decide to look for another team. For now, the player wants to stay.
Current Barcelona Registration Status
| Player | Status | Priority Level | Expected Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oriol Romeu | Contract termination imminent | High | Departure confirmed |
| Gerard Martín | Awaiting registration | Very High | Registration after Romeu exit |
| Wojciech Szczesny | Awaiting registration | High | Pending departures |
| Roony Bardghji | Awaiting registration | Medium | Pending salary space |
| Iñaki Peña | Expected departure | Medium | Loan/contract renewal |
| Héctor Fort | Expected departure | Low | Loan with buy-back option |
The Marc Casadó Situation
In principle, these are the most advanced operations, although a larger transfer for Marc Casadó cannot be ruled out. The young midfielder has many suitors and, given the intense competition for his position, he may decide to look for another team where he can secure regular playing time. However, for now, the player wants to stay at Barcelona and continue his development under Flick’s guidance.
Squad Depth Comparison
| Position | Current Options | After Romeu Exit | Flick’s Preference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Left-Back | Balde, Torrents | Balde, Martín | Martín as primary backup |
| Defensive Midfield | Casadó, Christensen | Casadó, Christensen | Youth development focus |
| Center-Back | Varied options | Martín versatility | Left-footed depth |
Romeu’s Professional Approach
While his teammates have been in Japan and South Korea, Romeu has been doing individual work at Barcelona’s training complex, and this continued on Tuesday upon Flick’s squad touching back down in Catalonia following the pre-season tour. During this period, he has shown exemplary professionalism, which has pleased many club officials.
Although he was presented with the rest of the squad before the Joan Gamper Trophy, he did not play any preseason matches. Romeu was an example of professionalism for his teammates, who respect him. He was always training at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper since he returned from his loan at Girona.
Looking Ahead: Transfer Window Priorities
Barça were hoping to find a partner in the market to get something in return for Romeu’s exit, and his former club Girona signaled some interest but never made a real offer, and with the end of the transfer window approaching the Catalans decided to sever ties with Oriol as quickly as possible.
The club’s focus now shifts to ensuring all remaining players can be properly registered before the transfer window closes. Barcelona’s financial constraints under LaLiga’s fair play regulations have made these roster moves essential rather than optional, forcing the club to make difficult decisions about squad composition.
Read More: Barcelona Secures UEFA Approval to Begin Champions League 2025-26 Campaign Away From Home
FAQs
When will Oriol Romeu’s contract termination be officially completed?
According to latest reports, the termination agreement is practically finalized and expected to be officially signed this week, with only minor details remaining.
Where is Oriol Romeu likely to play next season?
Girona appears to be the most likely destination, where he spent last season on loan, though he also has offers from other LaLiga clubs and MLS teams.
How does Romeu’s departure help Barcelona’s registration issues?
His departure frees up salary space on Barcelona’s wage bill, allowing them to register Gerard Martín and potentially other players like Wojciech Szczesny and Roony Bardghji.
Why is Gerard Martín’s registration a priority for Hansi Flick?
Flick sees Martín as Alejandro Balde’s backup at left-back and a versatile option who can also play as a left-sided center-back, filling a gap left by Iñigo Martínez’s departure.
What other players are expected to leave Barcelona before the transfer window closes?
Iñaki Peña and Héctor Fort are also expected to depart, with Barcelona considering loan deals for both players to create additional salary space.
