FC Barcelona set to extend contract of veteran defender Sergi Roberto

Barcelona will likely reach a contract with Spanish player and club skipper Sergi Roberto on a new deal, with negotiations among the two parties progressing. According to Fabrizio Romano, Sergi Roberto will not be going anywhere. The 32-year-old will shortly be signing an additional agreement with Barcelona, as negotiations involving the two parties continue. Xavi Hernandez has prompted the Catalan club's decision to renew the experienced utility player's contract.

Sergi Roberto has served as an invaluable resource for Barcelona since joining the first team from the youth level over a decade ago. The seasoned utility man, a Reus native, joined the Blaugrana football team in February 2006 and continued to go from strength to strength over the following 18 years.

Although the 32-year-old has rarely been Barcelona's first-choice starter, his versatility on the pitch has helped him make an impact. The Spanish international has had the most success as a right back, but he likes being used as a box-to-box midfielder. He can also play as a defensive midfielder and left defender.

At the same time, the Spaniard, who currently holds 11 caps for his country, has appeared in 370 matches for FC Barcelona, scoring 19 goals and providing 42 assists. However, Roberto's future continues to be the subject of much speculation lately because of his contract situation.

What will happen next between FC Barcelona and Sergi Roberto?

The 32-year-old's contract will expire during the summer, having reached the remaining three months of his current contract. Sergi Roberto, on the other hand, has no intention of going anywhere, as the two parties are close to reaching a deal. Fabrizio Romano has said that the conversations are progressing.

Xavi Hernandez has spearheaded Barcelona's efforts to sign Roberto to a new deal. The 11-cap Spanish international's future at the Catalan club is uncertain after Xavi confirmed his exit. Nevertheless, with the FC Barcelona coach remaining in Catalonia, Roberto is going to extend his nearly two-decade tenure.Barcelona's decision makes sense because Roberto can fill numerous positions depending on the team's needs. So, despite the club's never-ending financial woes, retaining the 32-year-old on board bodes favourably for the Blaugrana.