The role Xavi has for Sergi Darder as Barça sound out Espanyol midfielder

Due to their economic situation, FC Barcelona's sporting management are keeping a close eye on a large number of players who will be released on 30 June and on those who, due to their contractual conditions, could easily leave their clubs. Sergi Darder is one of them because he can leave Espanil on loan if a first division club matches his contract before 10 July. 

With this clause, he would be a good opportunity for any club with economic restrictions. That is why Barça made an approach to the player's camp a couple of weeks ago to find out his situation and, if necessary, whether he would be willing to come to Barça. 

Xavi Hernandez is usually involved in the signing of players because he understands that it is an added value and a sign of confidence on the part of the potential coach. With his words, he has convinced more than one player to come to Barça. 

And he did the same with Darder. He called him to explain to him what role he thought he could have at Barça if he ended up signing.

The Barça coach told him that he could help in the rotations with Pedri and Gavi in midfield because throughout the season there are many games and possible injuries, as happened last season with the Canary Islander. 

He also told him that he has a very young squad and that a veteran with a positive character like him would be very good for the group. Darder is 29 years old but he is a player with plenty of experience in the elite.  

Apart, of course, from the fact that the current Espanyol player has talent and is a midfielder with a goal. This season he has scored six goals and provided four assists. 

Gündogan the priority

Darder is being considered in case Ilkay Gündogan finally decides to renew his contract with Manchester City and refuse Barça's offer of a three-year deal. Barça are cautiously optimistic about the German midfielder's arrival, although they are aware that Pep Guardiola is putting pressure on his club to try to keep him. 

Currently with his national team (Germany play Colombia on Tuesday), Gündogan is expected to decide his future by the end of the week. If he decides to come to Barcelona, the Catalan club will focus on working on his registration and will put aside the Plan B they have open to reinforce their midfield. 

It should also be noted that Darder has doubts as to whether he would be able to sign for Barcelona because he believes it would not sit well with Espanyol or their fans. As well as being the captain of the team, the player has always stood out for his great commitment to the club, staying with them when they were relegated last time. 

In any case, it seems unlikely that Espanyol will be able to keep a player of Darder's quality playing in the second division. He has received plenty of offers and we will have to wait and see where he ends up. The player's priority is to stay in the top flight.