Girona FC have officially announced that Oriol Romeu will return to Barcelona once his season-long loan spell concludes. The 33-year-old midfielder rejoined Girona in August 2024 but will now head back to Camp Nou, though his future with Barça remains uncertain. Romeu initially signed for Barcelona in 2023 as a potential replacement for Sergio Busquets, but he struggled to secure a consistent starting role.
Despite making 28 La Liga appearances (17 starts), a knee injury disrupted his progress, limiting his impact. During his loan at Girona this season, Romeu featured in 31 matches, offering experience and stability in midfield. However, the Catalan club has decided against making his stay permanent, likely due to his age and their long-term squad planning.
Barcelona’s midfield options have grown stronger, with Pedri, Gavi, and Fermín López all key figures. New signings could further push Romeu down the pecking order, making his role under Hansi Flick unclear. The club may look to sell Romeu permanently this summer as part of their squad overhaul. His wages and age could make a transfer challenging, but Barcelona will likely explore all options.
Meanwhile, Barcelona are also working to resolve Frenkie de Jong’s contract situation before June 30. This decision could influence whether Romeu remains as a backup or is moved on. Romeu’s return adds another layer to Barcelona’s summer transfer strategy. With financial constraints still in play, the club must carefully assess which players to retain and which to offload.
As the transfer window approaches, more clarity is expected on Romeu’s future. For now, his time at Girona has ended, and his next destination—whether at Barcelona or elsewhere—will soon be determined.