FC Barcelona and Oriol Romeu have ended their contractual relationship in the final days of the transfer window. The agreement, according to information obtained by Madrid-Barcelona, was reached discreetly: the midfielder and the club terminated the contract that bound them until 2026, with Barça paying part of the outstanding salary. However, neither the player nor the Catalan club have officially announced the operation.
At 34, Romeu is now free to choose his next destination, although it seems that his career is entering a very complicated phase.
Girona, a closed door
Romeu himself hoped to return to Girona, where he already played on loan last season, but the Catalan side did not want to bet on him again. That refusal leaves the midfielder in an uncomfortable situation, without a team that guarantees him continuity in LaLiga. The international market could offer him some opportunities, but as of today, nothing is advanced.
Career marked by his solidity
Romeu has had a long career with experience in several European leagues. Trained at La Masia, he made his debut with Barça's first team in 2010 before signing for Chelsea, where he spent several seasons, including loan spells at Valencia and Stuttgart.
His longest period of stability came at Southampton, where he played more than 250 matches between 2015 and 2022, establishing himself as one of the most reliable midfielders in the Premier League. He later returned to Girona, having a great season at Montilivi that earned him a return to Barça in 2023. However, at Spotify Camp Nou, he never managed to fit into the rotation and Flick did not count on him.
An exit without farewell from Barça
The most striking aspect of this situation is the lack of a farewell. Barça has not issued any statement of gratitude toward Oriol Romeu, something that sources from Madrid-Barcelona confirm is not planned. This decision is surprising, considering that the midfielder is a homegrown player and returned to the club after more than a decade away.
This detail suggests that his departure has not been entirely satisfactory for either party. The club sought to free up salary and roster space, while the player expected a different kind of treatment.
A future hanging in the air
At 34 and free on the market, Oriol Romeu will have to consider which path to take. His profile as a defensive midfielder remains useful for teams seeking experience and balance, but age is not on his side. Options in lower leagues or even in exotic destinations could open up in the coming weeks.
For now, Barça's silence and the lack of clear offers paint a bleak picture for a player who gave everything upon his return, but who leaves without recognition from the club that developed him.