Barcelona veteran’s imminent exit indicates Hansi Flick will count on La Masia duo | OneFootball

In a surprising turn of events, veteran midfielder Oriol Romeu’s sudden departure from Barcelona during their pre-season tour in the United States has caught many off guard.

Although there had been some speculation, few expected such a significant change to occur while the team was still on the tour.

As expected, Romeu is set to rejoin Girona in the coming hours, marking the end of his stint with Barcelona. His decision to leave was driven by a desire for more playing time.

Despite not facing any issues with head coach Hansi Flick, who was pleased with his contributions, Romeu’s role in the team was uncertain, as Flick could not promise him regular minutes on the pitch this season, which influenced his choice to seek more opportunities elsewhere.

Romeu’s exit is a notable one for Flick, as it removes a key specialist from the central midfield position.

Known for his ability to stabilise and balance the team, Romeu was a classic ‘6’ who brought structure and reliability to the midfield.

However, it is worth noting that he struggled to fully settle into his role at Barcelona last season, which may have contributed to his decision to move on.

More opportunities for La Masia starlets

Marc Casado was impressive against Manchester City. (Photo by CHANDAN KHANNA/AFP via Getty Images)

With Romeu’s departure, Barcelona now face an exciting opportunity. The opening in the midfield could pave the way for younger talents to step up and make their mark.

Specifically, Marc Casado and Marc Bernal from the youth team are poised to benefit from this change.

While securing a starting spot in the first team will undoubtedly be challenging, the reduction in competition could provide these young players with valuable chances to prove themselves.

Casado, nicknamed Kimmich in the dressing room, has already showcased his potential. In the initial friendly match against Manchester City, he demonstrated his ability to make a significant impact.

His understanding of the central midfielder role and his alignment with Barcelona’s style of play stood out.

His dynamism and competitiveness, combined with his strong defensive capabilities, make him a promising prospect and with Romeu out of the picture, Casado’s chances of securing a place in the first team look brighter.

Marc Bernal comes with his own positives

Meanwhile, Bernal also brings considerable potential to the table. Standing over 6’2” tall, the 17-year-old possesses a powerful physique that is well-coordinated for his size.

Marc Bernal is known for his towering physical stature. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)

His strength lies in his ability to simplify the game, making effective decisions with his first touch. Bernal’s knack for finding solutions and his capability to make runs into the attacking area add to his appeal.

His performance in the pre-season, where he played a crucial role close to the defence, has positioned him as a player to watch. There is a real possibility that he could be part of the first team come the start of the season.

Won’t be a cakewalk for Casado and Bernal

Given the demands of the upcoming season, including potential injuries and the number of matches Barcelona will play, there is ample opportunity for both Casado and Bernal to feature more prominently.

Besides the pre-season games, Flick can utilise rotational strategies during less critical league cup fixtures, allowing these young talents to gain more experience and exposure.

Overall, while Romeu’s departure was anticipated to some extent, it brings a shift in dynamics that opens doors for emerging players.

The absence of the former Chelsea and Southampton midfielder means less competition for Casado and Bernal, which could be instrumental in their development and integration into the first team.

This change, though impactful, could ultimately benefit Barcelona by providing fresh talent with the opportunity to shine.