Barcelona have completed the signing of Girona midfielder Oriol Romeu, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The Catalan midfielder returned to La Liga with Girona last summer, and was a major element in their 10th-place finish, when many expected them to struggle back in the first division after promotion.
Romeu’s performances clearly caught the eye of Barcelona, who were on the hunt for an affordable option to replace Sergio Busquets, eventually settling on their former La Masia product.
Barcelona are set to seal Oriol Romeu deal, here we go! 🔵🔴🇪🇸 #FCB
Agreement reached with Girona — it will include Pablo Torres’ loan until 2024.
Medical done as @JijantesFC called and it’s now time to prepare documents in order to get it signed.
Oriol joins Barça this week. pic.twitter.com/lTpuBNOWYg
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 17, 2023
According to Romano, the deal will cost Barcelona €5m plus the loan of youngster Pablo Torre, who failed to make a major impact last campaign after signing from Racing Santander. Torre, 19, was starved of chances last season, and will hope to be the latest youngster to show his talent under Michel Sanchez. Girona are in need of creativity following the exits of Rodrigo Riquelme and Ivan Martin.
Oriol Romeu ya ha pasado el reconocimiento médico.
🔜 En breves se hará oficial su fichaje por el Barça.
📽️ @alexpintanel pic.twitter.com/AlaVL2ybvF
— Relevo (@relevo) July 17, 2023
Romeu was seen leaving a hospital in Barcelona, where he is thought to have completed his medical tests with the Blaugrana. There he admitted he was happy, with a telling grin, although he gave nothing more away.
He is expected to slot straight into Busquets’ role at Barcelona, although it is not yet clear whether Xavi sees him as part of his gala XI or rather a squad option.
