Lionel Messi's former team-mate has a role to play in dashing Man City's domestic treble dream - with Oriol Romeu bringing 'old-school' qualities to Southampton
Oriol Romeu's return to Southampton
Oriol Romeu's return to Southampton has not played out as planned, but Lionel Messi's former Barcelona team-mate - with two spells at Camp Nou on his CV - can still play an important role in dashing Manchester City's domestic treble dreams of 2025-26.
Romeu's experience and qualities
Saints legend Shane Long has explained to GOAL, ahead of the FA Cup semi-finals, why that is the case. Now 34 years of age, La Masia academy graduate Romeu retraced steps to St Mary's in November 2025. He had been a free agent since seeing his contract at Barcelona terminated by mutual consent.
Impact on Manchester City's treble dream
Romeu can still play an important role in dashing Manchester City's domestic treble dreams of 2025-26.
- Oriol Romeu is a former team-mate of Lionel Messi at Barcelona.
- Romeu has two spells at Camp Nou on his CV.
- Romeu returned to Southampton in November 2025.
Oriol Romeu bringing 'old-school' qualities to Southampton.
