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After spending 15 seasons at Barça where he will have won everything, Sergio Busquets should indeed leave the club at the end of the season. At 34, the Catalan midfielder is no longer an indispensable element in the eyes of Xavi, which would have decided the Spanish international to leave Barcelona at the end of his contract, in June 2023. Even if he often starts this season (4 matches in La Liga over 6 days), Busquets would be aware that he is coming to the end of a cycle with Barça, and would like to end his career in MLS, starting next summer. While his departure seems almost confirmed, the Barcelona leaders have already started looking for his potential successor. A name stands out insistently to replace the Catalan number 6.
Martín Zubimendi, Xavi’s priority?
According to Mundo Deportivo, the player targeted by Barça is none other than Real Sociedad defensive midfielder Martín Zubimendi. The 23-year-old Spaniard, who has a selection with La Roja, would be Xavi’s priority as a sentry. The Catalan technician would see in Zubimendi the worthy successor to Busquets in midfield. Under contract until 2025 with Sociedad, the Basque has a clause of 60 million euros. Barça leaders have already contacted the player’s agents to take the temperature on a possible transfer next summer. According to the Spanish press, the Basque club could let go of the 23-year-old player for around 40 million euros. In the event of failure on this file, the Blaugranas would consider recruiting Wolverhampton midfielder Ruben Neves (25). The Portuguese is also said to be highly valued by Xavi for his passing quality. Case to follow.
‼️ Zubimendi, el pivote deseado por el Barça
?? Busquets acaba contrato el año que viene y, siga o no, el club considera imprescindible reforzar su posición
? Su clause de rescisión es de 60M€ y tiene contrato con la Real hasta 2025, que quiere renovarle
? ¿Opinion? pic.twitter.com/k7VQ0RdIek
— Mundo Deportivo (@mundodeportivo) September 21, 2022
to summarize
According to Mundo Deportivo, the player targeted by Barça to replace Busquets is none other than Real Sociedad defensive midfielder Martín Zubimendi. The 23-year-old Spaniard, who has a selection with La Roja, would be Xavi’s priority as a sentry.
