Replacing Sergio Busquets with another defensive midfielder is one of the priority targets for FC Barcelona in the coming summer transfer window. The Catalan club has identified a number of targets for this purpose but is yet to finalize the transfer of any of them.
Xavi’s favorite to replace the departed captain is Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi. However, his arrival is almost impossible this summer, as the player seems committed to the Sociedad side, and his club is also unwilling to negotiate and budge from the midfielder’s €60 million release clause.
Joshua Kimmich was another name that Xavi approved, but despite his differences with the Bayern Munich hierarchy, the Bavarian club considers him too important a component of their squad to let him leave.
The club also had reached an agreement for the Portuguese midfielder Ruben Neves, but he is also now far from coming to FC Barcelona, as the move fell through because of Ansu Fati’s reluctance to become a part of any such deal.
According to SPORT, another player high on Xavi’s list is the Argentine Guido Rodriguez, who currently plies his trade with Real Betis. The player won the World Cup this year, and his contract only goes up to 2024, which has not yet been renewed.
As a result, Betis would be inclined to sell him this summer if they want to get a transfer fee for him. However, his renewal is not entirely ruled out at Betis, and the player can renew his contract with an exit clause.
Barcelona can tempt Real Betis with two of their assets in Nico and Abde, who have been of interest to Betis recently.
Thus, the stars seem to be aligning for Guido Rodriguez to be Sergio Busquets’ successor at FC Barcelona. However, the club has not made any moves because of its FFP situation, and more players can enter into consideration before the next season starts.
