Barcelona’s titles over the past decade were a result of one of the best teams ever assembled – featuring the great Lionel Messi, of course. But it was only possible because there was Sergio Busquets, the midfield anchor, to enable the forward players to work their magic. However, time waits for no man. The veteran is showing significant signs of slowing down, making Barcelona go into overdrive, searching for a possible replacement. In that regard, the names that have been brought up are Wolves’ Ruben Neves and Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi.##NAJAVA_MECA_6878712##Catalonia-based daily Mundo Deportivo reports that coach Xavi told president Joan Laporta that the latter is his preference due to his style of play and his young age.For now, Zubimendi is the only option Barcelona are working on, but the potential deal will be complicated due to Barca’s financial limitations and the fact that the San Sebastian-born 23-year-old lad has a contract until 2027 and a release clause of $60 million. His experience of playing in Spanish La Liga is just another bonus, which is why Xavi is so clear about his preference. And as far as the financial problems go, well, this is Barcelona. They’ll think of something.❗️Barcelona’s sports area does not see Rubén Neves fitting into their 4-3-3 system and don’t understand why his name gets linked so often.• Xavi sees Martín Zubimendi as the closest to Busquets but his signing will be difficult due to FFP.Via (🟢): @martinezferran [md] pic.twitter.com/cWhLtgFClO— Barça Buzz (@Barca_Buzz) December 11, 2022 Portuguese international Ruben Neves, meanwhile, is an exciting option mostly because he ends his current Wolves deal in 2024. He is not the kind of player who would fit in Xavi’s style. For now, he remains there as plan B. Busquets’ contract with the Catalans runs out in June, and the player has shown no interest in continuing at Camp Nou beyond that point. His departure has been on the cards for a long time now, and its announcement may be just around the corner. He is currently on holiday after Spain’s miserable World Cup exit, and will have a lot of thinking to do. We will likely see a much younger player in his position at the start of next season.Who will be the new Busquets?
