Barcelona outcast does not train with group amid ongoing talks over contract termination | OneFootball

Oriol Romeu’s departure is emerging as one of the key moves to allow Gerard Martin to be registered with Barcelona’s first team this season.

As reported recently, the Blaugrana’s aim is to have the defender available for Hansi Flick this Saturday when they face Levante away in their second league fixture.

Central to those efforts is finalising the termination of Romeu’s contract, which currently runs until 2026. Now, just weeks away from turning 34, his next destination remains unclear.

Romeu absent from train with the team

According to Mundo Deportivo, Romeu did not train with the rest of the Barcelona squad at the Tito Vilanova pitch today, though he did complete individual work at the Ciutat Esportiva.

The veteran midfielder spent last season on loan at Girona but has struggled to attract suitors this summer.

Romeu did not train with the group today. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

His omission from Barça’s pre-season tour of Japan and South Korea left him outside the shop window, even though he was later presented with the squad ahead of the Gamper Trophy match against Como.

Romeu remains highly respected in the dressing room for his professionalism and influence on younger players. The 33-year-old has continued to work with the rest of the group despite it becoming clear that he does not belong in Hansi Flick’s plans.

As such, his exit will ease the club’s salary cap situation once the deal for his contract termination is finalised.

Flick, meanwhile, will gain a versatile defensive option in Gerard Martin, who is being earmarked as cover at left centre-back following Inigo Martinez’s surprise move to Al-Nassr.