FC Barcelona and Girona face off this Sunday at Montjuïc, and it seems there might be significant news for the visitors. Due to the absences in their crowded midfield, Sport has discovered that they are seriously considering the option of paying to release Oriol Romeu. The midfielder, on loan from Barça, has a clause that prevents him from playing against his parent team unless they pay a pre-agreed price.
Oriol Romeu will play against Barça: 300,000 euros
Last summer, and considering he wasn't in Hansi Flick's plans, Deco made the decision to loan Oriol Romeu back to Girona. The agreement is straightforward: simple loan, paying his salary, and with a fear clause. A fear clause that can be broken by paying the amount of 300,000 euros, thus making the Catalan available for this match.
This same clause was present in Pablo Torre's loan contract last season. In his case, they didn't pay for him to be available for Míchel, leaving the young player in the stands. In contrast, Eric García left with the condition that he could play all matches, as this wasn't present in his contract, and he played both games against Barça.
For the first-leg match played at Montilivi, Girona decided not to pay these 300,000 euros to release Oriol Romeu. However, this would have changed for the match at Montjuïc against Barça, having many injuries in their midfield and greatly needing his presence.
Oriol Romeu: Future in doubt
At 33 years old, Oriol Romeu hasn't been as important as he desired in his return to Girona. So far, he has played 24 matches between La Liga and the Champions League, having made a limited contribution.
The agreement for his loan to Girona ends on June 30, and so far, there is no news about him at Barça. It is unknown whether Oriol Romeu will continue at Montilivi or return and need to find a new destination. In any case, what is completely ruled out is his return under Hansi Flick's orders: he is not counted on.
Oriol Romeu has a contract with Barça until 2026, and the idea is to transfer him permanently next summer. Deco is clear that it will be impossible to recover the investment made in the summer of 2023, when his 3.4 million clause was paid.