Barcelona legend ready to move as Man City eye summer transfer

With Xavi Hernandez and Joan Laporta ready to swing the axe on the Barcelona squad over the next couple of transfer windows, there could be significant changes on the cards at Camp Nou.

The Blaugrana are planning to get rid of the unwanted players on the roster such as Philippe Coutinho, Samuel Umtiti, Clement Lenglet and Sergino Dest. However, for the club to usher in a complete and total change, it might be time to part ways with some of the old horses in the ranks, too, such as captain Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.

Busquets, a product of La Masia academy, has spent his entire career with Barça and has attained legendary status at the club for his services and the role he has played in the success that the Catalans achieved over the years. To date, the Spaniard has made 651 appearances for the Blaugrana.

El Nacional reports that Busquets always planned to retire at Barcelona, much like another club legend and former captain, Carles Puyol. However, in case the Catalan giants decide to move him on, the 33-year-old would be open to a switch at the end of the season, amid interest from Manchester City.

The Citizens’ manager, Pep Guardiola, is a known admirer of the Spanish international, having first brought him into the Barça first-team fold back in 2008. He has been hoping for a reunion with the veteran star for a while now and is believed to be keen on signing him next year.

Busquets, for his part, is open to joining Manchester City. However, he would only do that if Barça officially confirm that they wish to part ways with him in the summer as he does not wish to damage his relationship with the fans.

If he were to move to the Etihad, Busquets would potentially be a direct replacement for Fernandinho, although he might have to settle for a backup role behind Rodri. Whether he finds that acceptable remains to be seen.