Although FC Barcelona have won both of their friendlies, against two of the best sides in Europe, i.e., Manchester City and Real Madrid, there is no doubt that the Catalan team is quite short of options in the midfield.
Important midfielders like Gavi, Pedri, and Frenkie de Jong are all recovering from their injuries. Furthermore, the team was already short of a competent pivot, and the only natural midfield pivot in the squad, Oriol Romeu, is also close to leaving the club.
A few weeks ago, it looked like Romeu might end up staying at the Blaugrana club, and play an important role for Flick next season. However, there were reports of him leaving the Barcelona camp in the USA to finalize a loan move to Girona a few days ago.
While such a move will leave the Barcelona midfield with a further shortage of options, this seems to be the best move for the Spanish midfielder’s career.
This operation is nearing its completion, as the journalist Nil Sola reports that the La Masia trained pivot is going to undergo a medical check-up with Girona today. Furthermore, the Spaniard is expected to start training with his new teammates as soon as tomorrow.
The details of the agreement between the two sides were finalized yesterday, on Sunday. For now, only the signature of the player is missing from this agreement. Once this final hurdle is crossed, Romeu will remain at Girona for the next full season.
With this transfer, Barcelona will have to work to bring in a new midfield pivot as there is no other natural pivot in the squad. Although there are several players whom Flick can use for his double-pivot scheme, the German tactician will still want to get another natural pivot before the transfer window ends.