In a surprising turn of events, FC Barcelona is set to bid farewell to three key players in the summer of 2024. Alongside the departure of head coach Xavi Hernandez, both Marcos Alonso and Sergi Roberto will also be saying their goodbyes to the Catalan club.
The news of Xavi's departure came after Barcelona's disappointing 5-3 loss to Villarreal, which effectively ended their hopes of retaining the La Liga title. In a press conference held after the match, Xavi announced his decision to leave the club, stating that he believes Barcelona needs a change of dynamic.
Following this announcement, it was reported by AS that Sergi Roberto would be the first casualty of Xavi's resignation. This comes as a surprise, considering Xavi had previously expressed his support for his fellow La Masia graduate. Roberto has often been praised by Xavi for his versatility and commitment to the team, making his imminent departure puzzling.
Another player set to leave the club is Marcos Alonso, the former Chelsea defender who was brought in to provide competition for Jordi Alba. However, injuries and limited playing time have hindered his impact at Barcelona, leading to a lack of appearances in both La Liga and other competitions. With his contract expiring on June 30, it has been reported that Barcelona will not be renewing his contract.
These departures will undoubtedly leave gaps in the Barcelona squad, requiring the club to find suitable replacements for these experienced players. The absence of Xavi's leadership and tactical awareness on the field will be sorely missed, as he played an integral role not only as a player but also as a mentor to the younger members of the team.
Sergi Roberto's departure is also a blow to Barcelona, as his versatile playing style allowed him to contribute in various positions. His departure will leave a void in the squad, one that will need to be filled with a player capable of adapting to different roles and providing consistent performances.
As for Marcos Alonso, although his time at Barcelona was limited, his departure highlights the need for a reliable and consistent backup to Jordi Alba. The club will have to search for a suitable replacement who can push the current left-back and provide depth to the squad.
Despite the disappointment of these departures, Barcelona will look to rebuild and strengthen their squad under new management. The upcoming transfer window will be crucial in determining the future direction of the club and finding the right players to fill the void left by Xavi, Sergi Roberto, and Marcos Alonso.
For now, Barcelona fans will have to bid farewell to these three individuals who have contributed to the club in their own unique ways. The upcoming season and the club's future will undoubtedly bring new challenges and opportunities for the team to rise once again.
