Roma Refuse to Grant Barcelona Buy-Back Clause for Carles Pérez
By Tom Gott
Roma sporting director Gianluca Petrachi has confirmed that the club are close to signing Barcelona winger Carles Pérez, but the reigning champions of La Liga will not have a buy-back clause.
Barcelona usually like to ensure they have such clauses when they part ways with any of their young talents, so it was thought that they would insist on being able to buy 21-year-old Pérez back in the future if they wanted to.
However, speaking to Sky Sport Italia, Petrachi insisted that they will not agree to a buy-back clause as they don't want to risk losing Pérez for cheap if he performs well in Rome.
"We continue with our philosophy of investing in young people," Petrachi explained. "The negotiations started well, we have excellent relationships with Barça and with the player we are talking about.
"I am optimistic, but I do not like to say before I have taken a player without the signatures. For Pérez there is no right of repurchase, we are not anyone's feeder club. If he comes, there will be no clause."
Mundo Deportivo note that the deal will be an initial loan with an obligation for Roma to sign Pérez permanently for €15m in the summer.
The winger is yet to agree to the move, but that is not expected to be much of a problem. Petrachi seemingly believes Pérez would be happy to make the switch, while MD claim that Barcelona also feel a move is imminent.
However, his agent is thought to be considering proposals from a number of clubs around Europe. Alongside Roma, there are thought to be offers from the likes of Bayern Munich, Sevilla, Atalanta and Borussia Dortmund.
Pérez did not initially want to leave, but after learning that manager Quique Setién does not see him as part of the club's future, he is prepared to look elsewhere.