Barcelona and Oriol Romeu Part Ways After Mutual Contract Termination

FC Barcelona have officially confirmed the departure of midfielder Oriol Romeu after both parties reached an agreement to terminate his contract within the summer transfer window. The 33-year-old, a product of La Masia, returned to the club in 2023 following an impressive season with Girona, more than a decade after making his senior debut under Pep Guardiola.  

Romeu began his second spell at Camp Nou as a regular starter under Xavi Hernández, but his involvement diminished over time, partly due to a knee injury. He still managed 37 appearances in the 2023/24 campaign before spending last season on loan at Girona, where he featured in 31 matches, starting 21 of them.  

Upon his return this summer, it became clear that he was not part of the club’s plans moving forward. He was omitted from the pre-season tour of Asia, and with a year remaining on his contract, negotiations led to a mutual termination. Barcelona’s decision also carries financial benefits, freeing up space on the wage bill to comply with La Liga’s strict salary regulations and register new signings.  

The club publicly thanked Romeu for his professionalism, commitment, and dedication, wishing him success in the next stage of his career. Across his two spells with Barcelona, he made 39 senior appearances, while his career as a whole has spanned top leagues in Spain and England, including stints at Chelsea, Valencia, Stuttgart, and Southampton. Romeu is now a free agent, with his next destination yet to be determined.