As Girona prepares for their highly anticipated clash against FC Barcelona on March 30, 2025, the Catalan club has made a significant financial move to ensure that Oriol Romeu can take the pitch against his parent club. Girona has officially paid Barcelona a hefty €300,000 to remove a 'fear clause' from Romeu's loan contract, allowing the midfielder to compete in what promises to be an exciting Catalan derby.
Romeu, who rejoined Girona on a season-long loan from Barcelona last summer, had faced the possibility of missing the match due to this clause, which prohibited him from playing against the team he was contracted to. However, with Barcelona's agreement, Girona has now included Romeu in their squad for the upcoming match.
Having played for Barcelona’s first team last season, Romeu is not only familiar with the strengths and weaknesses of many of the current Barça stars but also brings a wealth of experience and leadership to Girona's midfield. He has been a key player for Girona this season, featuring in 24 competitive matches since his return. His presence will be crucial as Girona looks to neutralize a talented Barcelona midfield that includes rising stars like Pedri and Gavi.
In a recent interview with Catalunya Ràdio, Romeu expressed his eagerness to participate in the match, stating, "It’s most likely that I won’t be able to play. I have a small hope that an agreement can be reached. Obviously, it will be complicated. I don’t want to miss any games, but in the end, playing against Barça is always one of those special moments in your career." He added, "Playing against the best players in the world and being able to be in such beautiful venues excites you as a player. And even more so given the current state of play as a team. On a personal level, I’m looking forward to getting minutes, being on the pitch, and finishing the season well."
With Girona's squad announcement confirming Romeu's inclusion, the team is looking to make a strong statement in this crucial match. Coach Michel is facing challenges with several key players unavailable, including Iván Martín and Donny van de Beek, with John Solis also rated as doubtful. The financial decision to pay the fear clause reflects Girona's commitment to putting forth their best lineup in an effort to secure a vital win against their rivals.
The match is set to kick off at 16:15 at Estadi Montjuïc, and fans are eager to see how this intense rivalry unfolds. Girona's willingness to pay the fee underscores the importance of this fixture, as both teams vie for crucial points in La Liga. The stakes are high, and with Romeu on the field, Girona hopes to leverage his insights and experience to challenge Barcelona's dominance.
As the game approaches, the excitement builds around Girona's strategic decision, and the anticipation of seeing Oriol Romeu face off against his former teammates adds an extra layer of intrigue to the encounter. With the match still to come, both teams will be looking to capitalize on their respective strengths and secure a vital victory in this pivotal moment of the season.
