Xavi Hernandez could reportedly convince one FC Barcelona star to stay this summer despite reports that Inter Miami are interested.
The Spanish legend shook the soccer world earlier today by announcing that he will stay on as Barcelona manager despite recently declaring that he would leave the position at the end of the season.
A former teammate of Lionel Messi’s and midfield partner for Sergio Busquets, Xavi’s decision to stay at Barcelona is one few would had expected, even with the 44-year-old coach turning the Catalan giants’ form around in a big way in recent weeks.
Yet as a result of Xavi staying, one Barcelona star could now remain and not move to Inter Miami.
Sergi Roberto could stay at Barcelona with Xavi despite Inter Miami interest
According to Fabrizio Romano, Barcelona captain Sergi Roberto could now also opt to stay at Barcelona with Xavi eager to keep hold of the 32-year-old, with Inter Miami reportedly interested in signing the versatile fullback.
Romano wrote: “Barcelona will discuss Sergi Roberto’s contract again soon as Xavi considers him an important player on the pitch and in the dressing room. After initial round of talks, Sergi’s camp and Barca will talk again but there are chances for him to stay again.”
Lauded by Xavi as a ‘tremendous’ player, it makes sense why the Barcelona coach will now want his captain to stay with him with the La Liga giants having now made a dramatic U-turn on his future.
And for Inter Miami, the Herons will have to return to the drawing board over which big-name player they could pursue this summer, with Roberto seemingly set to stay at Barcelona at to commit his future to the club.
Barcelona bombshell could be a blessing in disguise for Inter Miami
Inter Miami will always be linked with Barcelona players with the Florida franchise now having four legends of the club on their books, with Roberto seemingly a star who could have made the move this summer.
Yet the 32-year-old staying in Catalonia could be a blessing in disguise for Inter Miami, who could now target a younger and more exciting name who could add some real long-term value to the club.
Indeed, Roberto was always going to be an ambitious signing for Inter Miami, and news that the Spanish international could now stay will inspire the Herons to look for another big name who fits their project long-term.