Oriol Romeu, a 33-year-old midfielder, has said goodbye to FC Barcelona without major announcements or bombastic headlines. The blaugrana club and the player have reached an agreement to terminate his contract, which was set to expire at the end of this season. Romeu leaves as a free agent and his likely destination is Girona, where he excelled again after his time in England and Germany.
Curiously, Barça hasn't made this termination official. Rumors are circulating on social media that the operation went unnoticed because it happened in the final days of the transfer window, with many open fronts. Between injuries, new signings, and squad adjustments, it seems that Romeu became a secondary topic, a "black sheep" who left quietly.
Injuries and missed opportunities
Romeu's career at Barça was marked by injuries. Trained at La Masia, the midfielder made his debut with the first team, but soon looked for opportunities abroad. His career includes spells at Chelsea and Southampton in England, as well as experiences at Valencia and Stuttgart in Germany.
His return to Spanish soccer with Girona was a breath of fresh air. There, he established himself as an important player for Michel, showing that he could still perform at a high level.
However, in the current Barcelona under Hansi Flick, Romeu wasn't part of the team's plans. The German coach loaned him to Girona last year and, during preseason, didn't even include him in the tour of Asia.
Benefits of his departure
Romeu's contract termination isn't just a silent farewell; it also has practical implications for Barça. His departure frees up a spot in the squad, which opens the door for Gerard Martín, a homegrown full-back. This young player, who is 23, could no longer play with the reserve team, but now he could play matches with the first team.
Additionally, Romeu's departure coincides with other good news for Barça. Wojciech Szczesny could have a bigger role, benefiting from Iñaki Peña's loan to Elche and the renewal of his contract until 2029. All this strengthens the squad and allows Flick to have more options for the start of the season.
A discreet but significant farewell
Although Oriol Romeu's departure hasn't made front pages or caused major headlines, it's a move that reflects how secondary matters are managed at Barça. The midfielder leaves the club after years of comings and goings, injuries, and loans, and does so quietly, without drama or media farewells.
For Romeu, the next chapter seems clear: to return to Girona and regain minutes and prominence. For Barça, his departure represents a squad adjustment, opportunities for young players, and more room for Flick's trusted footballers. A discreet operation, but one that ultimately benefits both parties.