Having been an integral part of the FC Barcelona team for more than a decade now, the end of the contract of Sergio Busquets approaches this summer, and difficult negotiations await for both the player and the club.
First making his name as a young but highly mature midfielder in the famed Pep Guardiola team in 2008, Busquets has gone on to make more than 600 appearances for the club. During this time he has won 30 trophies, which include 8 La Liga titles, 7 Copa del Rey titles, and 3 UEFA Champions League titles.
However, age has caught up with him as he has approached his 34th year, and the effects of this age have been quite pronouncedly felt in the last few seasons. While still one of the top midfielders when it comes to spotting and executing the perfect pass, dictating the tempo of the game from the center of the pitch, and putting in crunch tackles.
However, opposition players have been able to get past him with their higher speed, which has been problematic for the club in most intense matches. Still, Xavi has absolute trust in the veteran player and has adapted his midfield to a 4 man scheme to compensate for the defensive fragility that the team suffered from with Busquets as the lone anchor.
Xavi wants to have the experienced midfielder in his team for another season. However, according to Mundo Deportivo, the club has not put any offer on the table yet, but both sides understand that if any offer does actually come, it will be a low offer, which can be more than half Busquets’ current wage with the club.
Other offers that Busquets has from the MLS or from Saudi Arabia are all expected to offer a greater economic package to the midfielder. Barcelona and Busquets both want to settle this matter as soon as possible. For this purpose, the club and the player’s agent, Josep Maria Orobitg, have already set up a meeting for the next week.
