FC Barcelona brought one of their former midfielders, Oriol Romeu, to take up the pivot position in the midfield. Romeu has adapted seamlessly to Xavi’s style and has already become an indispensable midfielder for Xavi.
However, the season is long and arduous, and already being 31 years old, Romeu cannot be expected to play throughout the season in this position. As a result, the Catalans are monitoring several players to support Romeu in this position, and one of these players is Guido Rodriguez from Real Betis.
Contract expiring next year
One of the aspects that makes Rodriguez a highly interesting target for Barcelona is the fact that his contract with Betis is ending in the coming year. However, the Verdiblancos are trying to get his contract extended before it expires, but clubs like Barcelona are attentive to his situation.
As Mundo Deportivo has reported, his contract was one of the subjects that Real Betis President, Angel Haro, commented upon as he travelled to Glasgow for his team’s UEFA Europa League opener:
“Guido’s renewal? The end of the transfer window was complicated for him; we need to let things settle and then have discussions with him.”
The former technical secretary for FC Barcelona and the current Sporting Director at Real Betis, Ramon Planes, also commented on the player and his contract a few days ago, as he confessed that he had suitors during this window:
“We need to appreciate that he has stayed. He was on the market’s radar. There were clubs interested in his situation that knocked on our door. We must appreciate the fact that he continues at Betis.”
Betis want him to stay
However, Planes went on to say that his club wants to retain him and wants to have him for years to come:
“Our intention, which we have shown and communicated, is that we would really like him to stay and extend his contract. He brings us a lot, both on and off the field. He has incredible values and commitment. We would love that, and for that, we will work. We’ve passed the first match ball; we still have it here. We would love for him to continue for many more years.”
Thus, it is clear that Betis would not let his contract expire without a fight. Meanwhile, Barcelona will have to wait to see how his situation develops at Betis before making a move for him.
