Barcelona Transfer Rumors: Why Barca Should Consider Bringing Back Oriol Romeu

Maybe all Oriol Romeu needs in order to live up to his potential is another shot with Barcelona.

Though the midfielder was moved from Barca to Chelsea last summer, ESPN SoccerNet reports that Barcelona has a buy-back clause in his contract and could consider the possibility of re-signing him.

It's a move Romeu would welcome whole-heartedly, considering his affinity for Barca, coupled with his struggles in the Premier League.

Last week, Romeu told the newspaper Sport, via ESPN.com:

"

I've always felt like a big Barcelona supporter, I am very grateful to FC Barcelona and it's thanks to them that I am where I am. I wanted to play more and Chelsea showed confidence in me, but if FC Barcelona want you to play, well... . They have the option to buy me back, I left knowing I had that option, and if they still have confidence in me, as they showed by leaving the option open, then they should let me know.

"

Romeu said as much as he could say without sticking a dagger in his current team. If Barca wants him back, and will give him ample opportunity to play, he clearly wants to be there. He wants a shot at being a difference-maker on a team he still loves, despite the fact that he's been dispatched to another league. 

According to ESPN SoccerNet, Barca can bring back Romeu for £9.5 million in 2012 or for £13 million in 2013, if the Blues are willing to sell—and if Romeu hasn't made an impact with them, and he wants to be in Barcelona, why shouldn't they?

In 16 games with Chelsea on 2011-12, Romeu didn't register a goal or an assist and got off seven shots. He famously struggled with the transition from La Liga to the Premier League, and maybe the time is right to bring him back where he belongs.

Chelsea has made enough big moves during the transfer window that it no longer needs Romeu. The 2012 Champions League victors have made significant improvements, and as a result, someone like Romeu has become dispensable.

For Barca—a team with which he's more comfortable and on which he's more eager to make a difference—Romeu could pay off. It's low risk, high reward for Barcelona, and Chelsea isn't losing a whole lot in sacrificing him.

This is a move that could work out for both sides, and it could give Romeu what he wants. It may be time to put Romeu where he wants to be and give him the chance to excel.