There has been a trend in the last year or so or former Barcelona talents returning to the club once they have gained valuable experience elsewhere. Last summer Cesc Fabregas returned to the Camp Nou and this summer, Jordi Alba returned home after a successful spell at Valencia.
The latest former Barcelona starlet interested in returning home is Chelsea midfielder Oriol Romeu.
Romeu joined the European Champions last summer for a fee of €5 million, although Barcelona have the option of buying him back within the next two years if they are interested in his services.
Romeu made 16 appearances for Chelsea last season, mainly in the Premier League, and has been marked as one for the future. Nevertheless, Chelsea’s signing of 21-year-old Eden Hazard and rumours of bids for Internacional’s Oscar could mean that Romeu will get lesser playing time at the club in the remaining three years of his contract.
Currently in Spain preparing for the Olympics, Romeu expressed his desire to return to the club that he still supports on an active basis and pointed towards Barcelona’s first option as evidence that they remain interested in his development.
“If [Barcelona coach] Tito Vilanova wants me there, I would talk to him and discuss it with him. If they want me to enjoy my football and show some confidence in me, then onwards and upwards,” he told Sport.
“Returning to Barcelona is an option but it depends on many things, because I want to play.
“I’ve always felt like a big Barcelona supporter, I am very grateful to FC Barcelona and it’s thanks to them that I am where I am.
“I wanted to play more and Chelsea showed confidence in me, but if FC Barcelona want you to play, well…”
“They have the option to buy me back, I left knowing I had that option, and if they still have confidence in me, as they showed by leaving the option open, then they should let me know.”
Romeu can also play as a central defender and stated that he is keen to make the transition to defence if it would boost his chances of playing for the first team.
“It’s been a long time since I played as a central defender but it’s all the same for me to play in that position as in midfield.
“What I want is to play and I’m willing to play in whatever position.”
