Hansi Flick confirms ex-Barcelona star 'unlikely' to return to Camp Nou

The 32-year-old midfielder has spent almost two decades with Barcelona since joining the youth academy in 2006 from Gimnastic de Tarragona.

Roberto represented Blaugrana from the Under-16s to Under-19s levels before breaking into the senior side in 2012.

Since then, he has gone on to make a total of 479 appearances for the Catalans and scored 26 goals while providing 46 assists across all competitions.

The Spanish international was handed the captain's armband at the start of the 2023-24 season after Sergio Busquets departed Camp Nou to join Lionel Messi at Inter Miami.

Flick confirms Sergi Roberto is not a part of Barca's future plans

Addressing the media on Thursday, Barcelona boss Hansi Flick provided a straightforward response to questions regarding the future of the 32-year-old central midfielder.

"Sergi is not a player in Barcelona now," Flick said, as reported by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

Roberto's contract with the club expired last month and Flick's blunt response seems to suggest that he has no interest in bringing the 32-year-old back to the Nou Camp ahead of the new season.

The German manager also provided updates on the fitness of Ansu Fati and speculation over a move for Euro 2024 star Neco Williams.

"Fati was training well and appeared well." Great, I was very happy with him now he is injured but we will definitely wait for him to come back stronger."

Regarding signing Williams: "He is not our player, Neco Williams, is under contract with another club and I cannot say anything else."

What's next for Sergi Roberto?

While Roberto's time in Barcelona may have come to an end, reports suggest that the Spaniard could be on his way to the Premier League by the end of this summer.

The Mirror report that Arsenal have made contact with the 32-year-old regarding a potential move to the Emirates Stadium, while Aston Villa and West Ham United are also keeping tabs on the player.

The Gunners are believed to be actively looking for a suitable option to partner Declan Rice in the heart of their midfield next season.

It is also understood that Ajax have signalled their interest in offering the veteran midfielder an opportunity to continue the next chapter of his career in the Eredivisie.