Sergi Roberto to finally sign Barcelona contract extension on Friday

Sergi Roberto, whose Barcelona contract expires on June 30, will sign a new deal with the club on Friday. 

The signing has been delayed a few days due to president Joan Laporta's schedule, but will finally take place later this week. 

Negotiations with the player have dragged on longer than expected and for a long time he looked set to leave the club. 

However, the pressure Xavi Hernandez put on the club to renew his deal for an additional year has proved decisive. 

The Barça coach values his versatility -- he can play right-back or in midfield -- and his understanding of the way the team play positionally. 

However, to get a new deal, Sergi Roberto has had to agree to accept a much smaller salary, around 60% less than his current deal.