Barcelona veteran superstar in line to become fourth captain – report

With Sergi Roberto officially announcing his departure from FC Barcelona on Sunday, there will be changes in the club’s captaincy group heading into the new season.

Roberto was the first captain last season, taking over after Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba had departed. Now, with the 32-year-old himself moving on, the mantle of becoming the first captain falls on Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

The German goalkeeper led the team in most games last season given that Roberto was not a regular starter. Now, he will officially have the status of being the first captain.

Ronald Araujo and Frenkie de Jong will both move up a rung higher and become the second and third captains for Barça this season, leaving the fourth captain’s spot vacant.

Robert Lewandowski the frontrunner

Now, Mundo Deportivo reports that veteran striker Robert Lewandowski is the frontrunner to become the fourth captain for Barcelona in the new season.

New fourth captain? (Photo by Ira L. Black/Getty Images)

The Polish centre-forward, who will turn 36 years old this month, is the most senior player in the squad and is now entering his third year at the club.

Lewandowski commands the respect of the team, has an influence on the players and is vastly experienced and successful, which gives him the upper hand.

In fact, during the pre-season El Clasico against Real Madrid in the USA, Lewandowski took over the captain’s armband after Ter Stegen was substituted.

As such, the 35-year-old forward is the leading candidate to become the fourth captain for Barça, ahead of someone like Pedri, who was also said to be in the running.