Barcelona captain Sergio Busquets has poured cold water on speculation linking the midfielder away from the club this summer, but Barca have reportedly lined up his replacement.
The one-club man will be out of contract at the Camp Nou next summer. But he remains a key man for Barca boss Xavi despite his advancing years. The Spain star has just turned 34 and he is in his 15th season in Catalonia.
There has been little talk about a new deal with Barca. Busquets penned a contract in 2018 to take him through to 2023, which included a €500m release clause.
Reports this week, via Diario Sport claimed Busquets was potentially looking for a new challenge away from Barca.
Barca are starting to look to the future and the report claimed Busquets was ready to “start an adventure in the United States”. David Beckham’s Inter Miami are believed to be the club wanting to sign the veteran.
Inter Miami, managed by former Manchester United midfielder Phil Neville, were said to be ready to make Busquets their franchise player.
However, Busquets has claimed no decision has been made and the rumours are incorrect.
“I can’t tell you anything because there’s nothing, it’s just rumours” Busquets told an interview with Marca ahead Spain’s Nations League games against Switzerland and Portugal.
Barca chase Rodri
“There’s nothing official. I’ll see how I’m doing this season.
“It’s clear I’m not 20 years old any more. This is the last year of my contract, but things have been called ‘official’, and they’re false.”
According to Fichajes, Barcelona are looking for a long-term replacement for Busquets. And Manchester City midfielder Rodri as emerged as their priority.
Rodri, 26, is under contract until 202y at The Etihad and he is a key man for Pep Guardiola. The Spaniard has been a virtual ever present in the last few seasons and already this season he has started all seven Premier League games.
Busquets meanwhile has been included in the Spain squad for their forthcoming Home Nations games. He is expected to captain Luis Enrique’s men against Switzerland in Zaragoza.
Enrique’s men are looking to seal their place in the finals of the competition before they set out for Qatar World Cup.