Barcelona appear to be a prime market for Saudi Arabia this summer, with some of the biggest names in the game available for the right price. In the case of Sergi Robertohe is out of contract at the end of the season but will not be heading to Saudi Arabia.
Catalan newspaper MD report that Roberto rejected an offer from Saudi Arabia, allegedly for political reasons. Roberto's wife, Coral Simanovich, is a model who works mainly in the United States, but is from Israel. Amid the conflict over the Gaza Strip, and with Saudi Arabia supporting the Palestinian cause, he and his family did not feel it would be a good idea to make the move.
It seems that Barcelona will not offer him a new deal in the summer, although they have not yet told Roberto of their decision, even if he wants to continue. Equally, Roberto spoke of his desired next move in recent months, stating that he would be open to staying in Europe, but eventually wants to try his luck in Major League Soccer in the United States. Roberto often vacations in New York, and if the opportunity is there, then he looks likely to be the next Barcelona veteran to end up in MLS.
