According to reliable SPORT Journalist, Luis F Rojo, Sergio Busquets will leave FC Barcelona in 2023. Decision made. Three candidates for his replacement: Zubimendi, Ruben Neves & Frenkie De Jong.
Sergio Busquets is in the final year of his contract at Barcelona and according to reports plans are already being made at the club to replace the captain ahead of the 2023/24 season.
Recently, there have been a couple names linked with a move to the Spotify Camp Nou. Ruben Neves, Jorginho and N’Golo Kante are some of the players to have been mentioned as targets for the Catalan Club.
Another name that popped up in recent weeks is Martin Zubimendi.
According to MARCA, ‘Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi remains the favourite option for manager Xavi Hernandez, who wants Barcelona to sign the Spaniard’.
The 23-year-old has grown in stature over the past couple of years under Real Sociedad head coach, Imanol Alguacil and has emerged as one of the most reliable defensive midfielders in La Liga.
Xavi seems to like the Spanish midfielder a lot and as per the report, he will push the club to sign Zubimendi.
The problem for the Blaugrana is that the midfielder has a release clause worth €60 million in his contract with Real Sociedad, which the Basque club will point towards as they are unlikely to negotiate a lower fee for their prized asset.
Another name that has been on the Club’s radar these past few weeks is the Wolves midfielder, Ruben Neves.
Neves could be a very good alternative. The club have good relations with his agent, Jorge Mendes, who has been offering the Portuguese star to them for a while now.
Last but not the least, Frenkie De Jong, Unlike the other names mentioned below, the Dutch midfielder already plays at the club and has been tested in the ‘Busquet role’ a couple times this season where he came out with flying performances. He seems to be the most realistic option for FC Barcelona right now but the club has made it clear that something has to be done about his enormous salary or else he might get sold.
There is still half a season to go, plenty of time for the club to get their numbers straight an come up with the best solution possible.