Joan Roman

[HeyMark]

Has tweeted this evening that his agent is carrying out negotiations and he hopes to have info soon. Looks like the story was true and he's off to Barca. I was surprised to hear he was 19, I thought he was only 16/17. Be a shame if he does leave was looking forward to seeing if he'd break through in the next few years.

[freshie]

Has tweeted this evening that his agent is carrying out negotiations and he hopes to have info soon. Looks like the story was true and he's off to Barca. I was surprised to hear he was 19, I thought he was only 16/17. Be a shame if he does leave was looking forward to seeing if he'd break through in the next few years.

The only reasons I can think of as to why he wants to leave are a) he's homesick b) he hasn't had many first team opportunities with us. If it is the former then fair enough but if it is the latter then how is he going to get into Barça's first XI if he can't get into ours?

It's a shame if he's leaving as I had high hopes for him

[twosips]

Or how about the third reason? He's a spanish attacking midfield and he's been invited to join La Masia. The best academy in the world that is producing and improving young players to extreme levels. A club known for giving youth a chance too. It's a no brainer for him sadly (for us)....

He'll probably turn into the new Pedro there. I'm not sure how good he'd have gotten here.

[freshie]

He'll probably turn into the new Pedro there.

Is that a good or bad thing?

[Blue Blood]

Very sad if he goes.

Was looking forward to him being the next academy lad to break into the first team.

Bags of potential, probably will do the business for barca.

[DoomMerchant]

barca wants a City player? Oh the times, they are a-changin'.

we'll survive.

cheers

[twosips]

He'll probably turn into the new Pedro there.

Is that a good or bad thing?

A good thing! Pedro's a wonderful player. Reminds me of Ljungberg when he was good. Darts about everywhere getting into goalscoring positions. An absolute handful. Great finisher too.

[Douglas Higginbottom]

I would be sad to see him go.Not sure he would make it with us but he's a really talented footballer and I would have liked to have seen him get a chance or too so we could find out for sure here.

[freshie]

A good thing! Pedro's a wonderful player. Reminds me of Ljungberg when he was good. Darts about everywhere getting into goalscoring positions. An absolute handful. Great finisher too.

The reason I asked was that he found his playing time reduced this season compared to last and I wasn't sure if this is what you thought might befall Joan roman

[twosips]

He was injured all year! They really missed him.

[dazby]

I had hoped he'd break through this season.

[john@staustell]

When he's 21 the likes of Iniesta, Xavi, Puyol, Abidal, Alves etc will be long gone and they'll be buying the new Ibrahimovic and Figo.

Academy brilliance does not last forever, it is transient. IE it has a good crop now and again! Scum still live off the Giigs/Beckham crowd for their 'wonderful youth'.

[Alex Sapphire]

Or how about the third reason? He's a spanish attacking midfield and he's been invited to join La Masia. The best academy in the world that is producing and improving young players to extreme levels. A club known for giving youth a chance too. It's a no brainer for him sadly (for us)....

He'll probably turn into the new Pedro there. I'm not sure how good he'd have gotten here.

yeah, and it's his hometown isn't it?
I'd like to think if Barca had a lad from Ardwick in their Academy he might be a target for us too.
Do they by the way?

[ant london]

From everything I've heard and seen (in snatches) both he and Suarez are relatively similar players in "type"

When we have Silva and Nasri in the first team set-up and both of them are of an age to want to be on the fringe, logic would dictate that only one of them is likely to be able to push his cause in real terms.

It's clear from things the players and coaching staff have said that Suarez is the one people favour/rate more (and that could very well be in terms of their suitability for the PL game) so I don't blame Roman for thinking his future lies elsewhere.

Good luck to him if he does go. A shame, but I understand his decision/wishes

[thegoatfeeder]

It is a shame to see him leave, but one of those situations where all you can do is wish him the best, for a Spanish kid to be offered a place at La Masia is a huge deal, one that you simply don't turn down.

According to various Barcelona blogs, they tried to sign Suarez before we did and supposedly had a deal in place before we stepped in with a better one. We have to give him a chance before the same thing happens again, no idea how much longer he has on his contract. It's all very well and good us trying to develop this world class academy but we have to try and give the better players a go in the team for it to be an attractive proposition. The best facilities will count for nothing if youngsters don't believe they can break through.

[Alex Sapphire]

From everything I've heard and seen (in snatches) ...

I've heard of reading tea leaves, but consulting "the oracle" downstairs sounds quality.

[Wonderwall]

Its a shame bit barca get raped all the time by arsenal. I dont see arsenal ripping up any trees.

[Terry Cookes nose]

Signed 3 year deal with Barca B

[Blue Blood]

Signed 3 year deal with Barca B

Sad times.

Good luck to the lad though.

[Ted Hughes]

It's a pity. I'm not certain he's quite good enough but still would have liked to find out .