The president of Barcelona accidentally let slip that a midfielder has asked to depart the club.

Barcelona is gearing up for a significant squad overhaul under the guidance of their new manager, Hansi Flick, with one of the notable developments being defensive midfielder Oriol Romeu’s reported intention to leave the club ahead of the upcoming transfer window. This revelation has added another layer of intrigue to what promises to be an eventful summer for the Catalan giants.

The ‘Barca Reservat’ podcast, associated with Catalunya Radio, highlighted an interesting slip by the club president Joan Laporta. According to a report from Mundo Deportivo, Laporta inadvertently disclosed Romeu’s request to exit the club during an interview that was initially broadcast on the club’s official media channels. The interview underwent significant editing before it was aired, and the version that reached the public omitted the part where Laporta mentioned Romeu’s anticipated departure.

Oriol Romeu, who is a product of Barcelona’s esteemed La Masia academy, rejoined the club last summer from Girona. His return was facilitated through a modest transfer fee of €3.4 million, and he was handed a three-year contract. Despite this homecoming, the 32-year-old Spaniard found his opportunities limited during the previous season under former manager Xavi Hernandez. Romeu primarily played a backup role, featuring in 37 matches across all competitions but accumulating nearly 1500 minutes of playing time. His limited involvement suggested that he was not central to Xavi’s plans, a situation that seems unlikely to change with Hansi Flick’s new vision for the squad.

With the arrival of Flick, Barcelona is focusing on integrating younger talents and reshaping the team’s dynamics to align with modern football’s demands. This strategy marks a departure from relying on experienced players who have had limited impact, as evidenced by Romeu’s peripheral role last season. The club aims to create a more dynamic and youthful squad capable of competing at the highest levels both domestically and in Europe.

Laporta’s accidental revelation about Romeu’s request to leave the club hints at ongoing internal discussions and the strategic decisions being made behind closed doors. Romeu’s situation exemplifies the broader changes anticipated at Barcelona as they prepare to transition into a new era under Flick’s management.

Romeu’s departure, if it materializes, will mark the end of yet another chapter for the midfielder at Barcelona. His journey from La Masia to various clubs across Europe and back to Camp Nou reflects the transient nature of football careers. As Barcelona moves forward with its squad rejuvenation plans, players like Romeu might need to seek opportunities elsewhere to continue their professional journeys.

As the transfer window approaches, all eyes will be on Barcelona to see how they navigate this period of transformation. The club’s actions and decisions in the coming months will be crucial in determining their competitive edge in the upcoming season. For Romeu, a fresh start away from Camp Nou might just be the change needed to reignite his career.