FC Barcelona will indefinitely be left without the services of Sergio Busquets heading into the upcoming season. Therefore, it now becomes a priority as well as a necessity that the Catalan giants are able to come up with alternative options to replace the Barcelona veteran for the future.
As reported by SPORT, the Barcelona captain’s vacant pivot position is of vital importance to FC Barcelona, and thus the filling of that void is considered to be of the utmost importance.
Not just one, but two midfield signings are now expected to happen in order to facilitate a smooth transition following the veteran’s departure, as well as to afford Xavi Hernandez a wider range of options to choose from according to specific game plans and opponents.
With the departure of Ivorian midfielder Franck Kessie also appearing to be imminent, it seems that two to replace two is the goal of the Barcelona transfer strategy. While Xavi’s ideal pair of signings would understandably be Ilkay Gundogan and Martin Zubimendi, the realistic chances of both of those players coming to the Catalan club are slim.
For one, the salary being demanded by Gundogan and his entourage is causing problems, however, it is being reported that these issues may well be sorted in the coming weeks and the German still has a strong chance to be unveiled as a Barca player.
However, the case of Zubimendi is much more complicated as the transfer fee required for him is utterly unfeasible for FC Barcelona as of right now.
The ideal alternative to Zubimendi remains 26-year-old Moroccan defensive midfielder, Sofyan Amrabat, who Xavi admires a lot. Similar to Zubimendi however, his price tag goes beyond the €30 million that FC Barcelona are willing to pay for him. Real Betis’s Guido Rodriquez continues to be an option as well technically.
Lastly, there exists the option of Ruben Neves. While it is being widely reported that Xavi and the sporting sector clearly do not consider him to be a good option from a sporting perspective, the board believes him to be a solid option from a financial viewpoint.
With a swap deal with Ansu Fati that would see Ruben Neves alongside €30 million make their way to FC Barcelona and the young Spaniard leave for Wolves.
The untouchables currently at the club remain defined, however. Pedri, Gavi, and Frenkie De Jong are the triumvirate of those destined to stay at the club, with Pablo Torre being considered to be loaned out as the club still sees future potential in him and wants to keep tabs on him.
