FORMER Saints midfielder Oriol Romeu has completed a sensational transfer to Barcelona from Girona, on a three-year contract. 

Romeu spent seven years on the south coast, during which time he made 256 appearances for Southampton in all competitions.

He joined in 2015 ahead of the first of back-to-back seasons in Europa League football.

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The Spaniard was one of many senior players who left Southampton last summer, as Sport Republic looked to transform the squad in a more youthful direction.

The 31 year old joined Catalan side Girona where he played 33 league games last season as they finished 10th in La Liga.

Romeu is rejoining the Spanish Champions having graduated from their academy prior to his move to Chelsea in 2011.
Upon his return to his boyhood club, the Champions League winning midfielder is expected to be the replacement for Sergio Busquets - who left the club on a free transfer.