Visma pull plug on Primoz Roglic reunion as Slovenian's 2027 options narrow

The uncertainty surrounding Primoz Roglič's future has taken another turn, with a potential reunion with Visma | Lease a Bike now reportedly off the table.

According to Belgian newspaper Het Laatste Nieuws, the Dutch squad have decided not to pursue a deal for 2027 with the four-time Vuelta a España winner, despite discussions between the two parties in recent weeks.

Roglič, who turns 37 on Thursday, October 29, will leave Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe after three seasons but has yet to announce whether he intends to continue racing in 2027.

Last week, Visma emerged as a possible destination for Roglič, with WielerFlits reporting that the Dutch team had made inquiries about bringing back their former Grand Tour leader. Domestique heard similar information.

Now, Het Laatste Nieuws reports that the interest went further than initial inquiries.

According to the Belgian newspaper, Visma had been considering a reunion since the summer, with Roglic's impressive end to the 2026 season strengthening their interest.

The Slovenian finished second at the Vuelta a España, delivered a strong performance at the World Championships and claimed the European time trial title on home soil.

Discussions reportedly took place between Visma and Roglič's entourage in recent weeks, including at least one meeting involving Roglic.

However, despite those conversations, Visma reportedly decided this week not to take negotiations any further, ending the prospect of a final chapter with the team where Roglič enjoyed his greatest successes.

Between 2016 and 2023, Roglič claimed 77 victories for the Dutch squad, including three Vuelta titles, the 2023 Giro d'Italia and Liège-Bastogne-Liège.

Visma are instead looking to fill the final available place on their 30-rider WorldTour roster with a younger rider. Visma will end their time as a major sponsor and team management have still to confirm a new title sponsor.

Het Laatste Nieuws suggests that the team are particularly interested in a classics specialist or puncheur. One possibility is promoting another rider from their development squad. Under-23 world champion Ashlin Barry, alongside British talents Eliott Rowe and Henry Hobbs, are among the candidates mentioned.

However, an immediate promotion is not necessarily guaranteed, with Barry reportedly keen to race in the rainbow jersey at under-23 level and target events such as Paris-Roubaix Espoirs.

With Visma no longer an option, the list of potential destinations for Roglič continues to narrow.

Lotto-Intermarché were among the first teams to express interest in the Slovenian following confirmation that his Red Bull contract would not be extended.

Roglic himself acknowledged discussions with the Belgian squad ahead of the Vuelta. "I think I can confirm that I spoke one time with them," he said at the time.

According to the latest report from Het Laatste Nieuws, Lotto-Intermarché recently presented Roglič with an attractive proposal, but the Slovenian did not accept it, making that potential transfer unlikely.

Swiss ProTeams Pinarello-Q36.5 and Tudor have also been linked with Roglic, although speculation around both teams has since cooled, with the teams playing down their interest to Domestique and other media at Il Lombardia.

Unibet Rose Rockets founder Bas Tietema recently confirmed contact with Roglič, revealing that the ambitious ProTeam had been in touch with the Slovenian ahead of the Vuelta a España.

Tietema acknowledged that Roglič would be a valuable addition to almost any team, but questioned whether such a signing would be realistic for his squad.

Despite the growing number of teams linked with Roglič, the possibility that he could end his professional career has never entirely disappeared.

Ahead of Il Lombardia, Roglič admitted that the Italian Monument could prove to be his final appearance in the professional peloton.

"I believe I will continue racing," he said, before adding that it was also possible Lombardia would be his last race.

More recently, Spanish newspaper AS reported that sources close to Roglič expected clarity on his future soon, with the Slovenian leaning towards continuing his career rather than retiring.