New Barcelona signing Oriol Romeu is ready for the challenge ahead in 2023/24.
Pep 🤝 Oriol Romeu pic.twitter.com/w0PuDL1kIt
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) July 21, 2023
La Blaugrana highlighted their former La Masia player as a possible option at the start of the month as part of wider strategy.
The presentation of Oriol Romeu is about to begin! pic.twitter.com/50cWmCqE6e
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) July 21, 2023
The departure of club captain Sergio Busquets created a hole in the Barcelona midfield as he opted to move on after 13 seasons with the club.
Today is Oriol Romeu Day 💙❤️ pic.twitter.com/xEIzU3Losx
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) July 21, 2023
Busquets’ move to Inter Miami has now been confirmed and the club have moved quickly to bring in Romeu as an experienced operator in the squad.
CULER 💙❤ pic.twitter.com/hfM3GxBTa7
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) July 21, 2023
Despite the delicate subject of ‘replacing’ Busquets not being discussed at length, due to the pressure involved, Romeu showed no sign of nerves in his formal unveiling.
Looking forward to your debut! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/jpWD6BNfc8
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) July 21, 2023
The 31-year-old was pragmatic over the situation and insisted the chance to follow a legend was too tempting to turn down as he left Girona.
❝It’s a wonderful feeling. To have a chance to come back home and help the team continue growing is very exciting.❞
— Oriol Romeu pic.twitter.com/q2TXRFbLt9
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) July 21, 2023
“I can give balance to the team. One of my strengths is the physical part and I try to continue learning with the ball, I’m sure that with the help of the coach I will take a step forward,” as per reports from Marca.
🗣️ Mateu Alemany: "I want to clarify that Barcelona paid the entire clause to Girona." pic.twitter.com/T35AERfYFA
— barcacentre (@barcacentre) July 21, 2023
“Busquets has marked an era. One of the best No.5’s there has ever been. Arriving just after him is a beautiful challenge, which excites me.”
❝I can be a positional defensive midfielder, where the players in front of me can feel supported, and I can provide balance. One of my strong points is my strength, but I can also play the ball out from the back.❞
— Oriol Romeu pic.twitter.com/4aRieu4zWq
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) July 21, 2023
Romeu has joined up with the Barcelona squad on their USA preseason tour and he could make a second debut on July 23 against Juventus.