Saudi Arabia come calling for departing Barcelona midfielder

Oriol Romeu has had a curious summer, having returned to Barcelona from a loan spell at Girona. The veteran midfielder was always regarded as a certain departure from the Blaugrana, but was only released after the end of the transfer window, by mutual agreement.

The 33-year-old is now without a team, and looking for a new destination. Despite being linked with a number of clubs in Spain this summer, but could not find an agreement, or at least they did not find one with Barcelona. Only on Friday was his departure announced by Barcelona, despite several reports of a termination agreement well in advance.

Options dry up for Romeu in La Liga

The side he was most heavily linked with was a return to Girona, where Michel Sanchez always speaks highly of him. However the Catalan side are yet to make a move for him, after a campaign which was interrupted by injury last season. During the transfer window, Girona signed Thomas Lemar on loan, Axel Witsel and Azzedine Ounahi, all players that can strengthen their midfield, albeit only Witsel has operated in a similar role to Romeu.

Real Betis brought in Sofyan Amrabat on loan from Fenerbahce on deadline day, reducing their needs for a deep-lying midfielder, and Valencia, the other side linked to him in the summer, brought in Filip Ugrinic and Baptiste Santamaria.

Saudi Arabia to come calling?

According to Marca, Romeu is now wanted by Saudi Arabian side Al-Shabab. Former Real Sociedad manager Imanol Alguacil is in charge there, and will be familiar with his abilities, and Romeu is now considering an offer from Al-Shabab.

However it should be noted that shortly before, it was also reported that the same side had agreed personal terms with Rayo Vallecano midfielder Pathe Ciss. It remains to be seen whether they will activate his release clause.