Barring an interesting twist in the tale, it seems quite certain that Sergio Busquets will leave Barcelona at the end of the season, taking Inter Miami as a possible destination.
The 34-year-old midfielder has been with the Blaugrana for half his life, but it looks like a new chapter is on the horizon now. Replacing it will not be the easy task, which is why the search is already underway.
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The Barcelona board has already identified several potential solutions moving forward in Busquets’ role, and hopes to have a decision ready to be implemented before the midfielder departs.
The list of potential replacements includes two names that the Catalan club have been watching for a while: Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi and Wolverhampton’s Ruben Neves.
Barcelona like the Basque midfielder very much, but Real Sociedad are known to be a tough negotiator and are unlikely to let their local star leave for less than his release clause, which is currently set at €60m.
At the age of 23, Zubimendi has already made over 100 appearances for the Sociedad first team and is continuing to improve. He was part of the Spanish team that won the silver medal at the last Olympics.
Robin Nevis
Another major name under Busquets’ role is Ruben Neves, who, at 25 and with 30 caps for Portugal, is a more established option.
Of course, it will not come cheap either, but is represented by Jorge Mendes, who has an excellent relationship with Joan Laporta.
But Barcelona have other ideas, and they may decide they don’t need to go out and sign a replacement. Nico, currently on loan at Valencia, could return home to inherit sixth place, so Xavi will be keeping a close eye on him this season.