Barcelona veteran midfielder ignoring Napoli interest, set to continue at club

Earlier in the summer, it appeared like Oriol Romeu would be on his way out of FC Barcelona in the current transfer window.

After all, the Spanish veteran had fallen out of favour under previous manager Xavi Hernandez in the second half of the last season and the club had plans to sign a new defensive midfielder this summer.

But, a month into the transfer window, Barça are no longer prioritising the signing of a pivot and have also been hit with injuries in the midfield department.

As such, there has been a change of stance as far as Romeu’s future is concerned.

Romeu will not leave despite Napoli interest

Indeed, according to Mundo Deportivo, Hansi Flick has quickly given the go-ahead for Oriol Romeu’s continuity.

In fact, in recent days, according to MD, a Serie A club has called Barcelona with an offer, but Romeu did not consider it. In the absence of confirmation, and according to the same sources consulted, the team would be Napoli.

Set to stay. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Apart from Flick’s intention to keep him at the club, the lack of European football on offer at Europe also played a role in the 32-year-old veteran not considering the offer from the Italian outfit.

It took Flick only a few training sessions to give the OK to the midfielder’s stay because of his positional play, his power and his experience.

Romeu gave him more confidence than the academy players and other players who could also occupy his position.

The manager has talents like Marc Casado and Marc Bernal as options for the defensive midfield role while Ilkay Gundogan and Frenkie de Jong could also fill in, but for now, Flick has decided to count on Romeu.