Barça decide to move forward in their pursuit of Oriol Romeu

FC Barcelona have decided to go ahead with the move for Oriol Romeu. The Blaugrana sporting department made the final call and have communicated this with all the concerned parties, taking a big step towards landing the player at Camp Nou.

Barça will now try to reach an agreement with Girona to lower the asking price of the 8 million euros release clause.

Oriol Romeu was proposed as a potential target by the scouts and Xavi liked the player and gave his go-ahead. The new sporting director was hesitant and wanted to study other options in the market, but he too has concluded that this signing will help fill the gaping hole left by the departure of Sergio Busquets. It is a low-cost option but with sporting guarantees.

Oriol Romeu is keen on taking up the challenge of returning to Barça to play the pivot role in front of the defence. He knows the club well, having trained as a Blaugrana in La Masia. He comes back with international experience.

Both Xavi and the club value his personality on and off the pitch. He had an excellent season at Girona, where he was one of the revelations of the season.

In the last few hours, a summit meeting has been held and the player already knows that Barça have given the green light to his signing provided that a favourable agreement is reached between the clubs.

Girona still demand the eight million euro release clause but also understand that Romeu made a substantial effort in signing last summer and now has the opportunity of a lifetime. All parties are bound to understand each other.

Oriol Romeu sees himself capable of performing at a very high level at Barça. He is in the best physical shape of his career and his level of play has been maturing.

Barça, as Xavi has recognised, had other priority options in this position but the club's financial situation has not allowed them to break the bank for star names.