Old news: Romeu ‘loan’ finally official

By: Jack | August 4th, 2011

The protracted deal for highly touted Barcelona and Spain prospect Oriol Romeu is official. Finally.

oriol2
These two are about to link up.

I’m not going to spend much time on this one, as we’re late to the party. You’ve likely already read plenty on the transfer from any number of news sources. Apologies.

I will, however, point you toward Sid Lowe’s abbreviated profile of the midfielder via the Guardian. Do check it out if you haven’t done so already. Chelsea fail to mention details of the deal in their official press release of the transfer. Thankfully Barcelona get us up to speed.

At £4.35 million, it’s difficult to argue how this is a poor deal. The main issue, at least for some, including myself, is the inclusion of the much-discussed buy-back clause. Barca can purchase Romeu for 10 million Euros following this season or a cool 15 after the second year.

Kind of a win-win for the Catalans if you ask me. Then again, I also expect there to be some kind of option for us to override the buy-back. That information, of course, is unavailable at this time.

Overall, I guess I’m pretty well pleased with the move. This kid, from the limited amount I’ve seen of him and the thorough amount I’ve read, appears to be the goods. He should provide great cover in midfield and, who knows, perhaps he’ll thrust his way into the first-team picture. Whatever happens, it will be interesting to see how he’s implemented into the side once he arrives after the Under-20 World Cup. A double pivot with Mikel? I like the idea.

For the time being, be sure to check him out when you can for Spain in the U20s.

Some Related Chelsea Posts:

« A formal bid has been made for De Bruyne: Was it from Chelsea? | Home | Lukaku Almost A Done Deal? »

Jon G

Not too worried about the buy back clause. Based on the profit, we would be gettin paid 5 mil a season to have a good player. Thats a better deal than having a dud like zhirkov for 2 years and then losing money sellin him back to russia as looks the case with him
HWoerd

"Then again, I also expect there to be some kind of option for us to override the buy-back."

I think this will end up being the case. Kid is a project, and having him for only a year or two would be pointless.
IceX1992

Bad deal,there is never an option to block to buy back clause.
Wayne

Sigh......a loan deal and barca will have him back 2-3 years if he performs well and we should sell him for big money because the market has gone insane these past few years. Uefalona always seem to get there way tho.
Chris Harnan

Kakuta is at a similar level to him, although they are different types of players. If Romeu gets games this season, kakuta should too. He is obviously a stronger player which makes him more suited to the premier league, but kakuta will definitely be able to argue that point.