Prior to the start of the summer transfer window next month, Xavi Hernandez, the coach of Barcelona, has discussed his plans for transfers. The Catalans are anticipated to bolster their team, and the manager is already aware of his top concern.
In a pre-game press conference on May 22, Xavi stated that finding a replacement for captain Sergio Busquets is Barcelona’s top challenge. When his contract expires at the end of the current season, the midfielder has declared he will leave.
He told reporters that the Busi position was of the utmost importance. “We require a top-tier defensive midfielder. That is the truth. The captain of the team, who is a key player, is leaving and can have a significant impact. Therefore, we must locate the best replacement. There will then be other priorities.
Busquets’ replacement will be a difficult task for Barcelona. The midfielder played for the team for 18 seasons and amassed over 30 championships. In his final season at the Camp Nou, he won La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup before leaving.
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Sergio Busquets’ replacement, Frenkie de Jong, is possible.
Busquets appears to be Barcelona’s already-made replacement. One player who can fill Busquets’ position is Frenkie de Jong, though the Dutchman feels it is not the best fit for him.
“I frequently hear that he could take Busquets’ place, but I believe that we are two different players. He is a ‘6’ in the Barcelona profile, which is a really good score. I require mobility,” he told NOS.
Several players, including Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, have already been associated with Barcelona. By saying that the midfielder is a “extraordinary” footballer, Xavi has praised the player.
However, Zubimendi has a 60 million euro release clause, which is probably beyond Barca’s means. The midfielder also extended his contract with the team through 2022, which may indicate that he is not currently interested in leaving.
How does Nico Gonzalez fare?
Nico Gonzalez is a different possible replacement for Busquets. According to Mundo Deportivo, Xavi has been told by former B team coach Francisco Javier Garca Pimienta that he is the “perfect player” to take the captain’s place.
At the end of the current season, when Nico is due to return from his loan to Valencia, the club will decide on his future, according to Xavi’s press conference statement.
“I believe he is performing at a really high level; yesterday, he played well. He is expanding. We’ll assess it, but it’s unfortunate he was hurt and out for three months,” he said. “Everything you are asking is taken into account in the planning process. He’s on loan, so when he returns, we’ll see what we can do.
According to ESPN, a midfielder for Wolves is another choice for Barcelona. Despite Xavi’s preference for other targets, the club is continuing to pursue the Portugal international.
