Barcelona’s registration issue could unlock soon as out-of-favour midfielder nears exit | OneFootball

Barcelona need to resolve the situations of Inaki Pena, Hector Fort and Oriol Romeu, players who are not part of Hansi Flick’s plans, to free up space to register Wojciech Szczesny, Gerard Martin and Roony Bardghji as soon as possible.

The three players have now missed the first two matches of the 2025/26 La Liga season, much to the disappointment of manager Hansi Flick, and as such, the Catalans are working around the clock to resolve the situation.

Oriol Romeu nearing his departure

Now, according to SPORT, Romeu’s future is at a decisive stage. The midfielder is on the verge of a definitive departure from Barcelona and is weighing up several options, with two moves within La Liga and another that would represent a complete change in direction for his career.

Romeu is eager to decide his future, while sporting director Deco hopes that his departure will generate the necessary Fair Play margin to register Martin.

Flick views the defender as an essential member of the squad, capable of covering Alejandro Balde at left-back and also filling in as a left-sided central defender, particularly after the exit of Inigo Martinez.

In recent weeks, a return to Girona and a possible move to Galatasaray were both strongly linked, but more recently, Real Betis, Sevilla and Real Oviedo have emerged as options for Romeu.

Nearing an exit. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Furthermore, the veteran midfielder Romeu is also studying an offer from Major League Soccer, which would mark a radical career shift.

Romeu’s definitive decision depends first on reaching an agreement to terminate his contract with Barcelona. Once free, he will commit to the option that best suits him, while the club will immediately be able to register Martin.

Negotiations have considered several formulas, including a loan deal with Barcelona covering part of his wages, or a full contract termination compensated by the club, allowing Romeu to sign for another team.

The situation is comparable to that of Inaki Pena and Wojciech Szczęsny. If the La Masia goalkeeper joins Elche on loan after signing a contract extension with Barcelona, the club would then have space to register the Polish shot-stopper.

Deco is working this week to finalise these matters, including that of Roony Bardghji, so that Hansi Flick can count on the full squad for the third round of La Liga against Rayo Vallecano at the Estadio de Vallecas on Sunday, 31 August.