Barcelona identify Spanish midfielder as priority Busquets’ replacement

For nearly a decade and a half, Sergio Busquets has been a permanent fixture in the middle of the park for Barcelona. The 34-year-old has been a vital part of the success that the Catalans have achieved during this period and is an absolute legend at the club.

However, as he enters the final phase of his career, Barça need to start planning for a future without their current first captain. Busquets’ contract expires next year and the veteran midfielder is supposedly keen on an exit, with a move to the MLS on his mind.

Given that there were other bigger priorities this summer, a replacement for Busquets was put on the backburner. But, Barcelona will need to sign a player to take over from the Spanish ace in the next couple of windows.

A move for Ruben Neves has been speculated for some time now. But, according to Xavi Campos on Cat Radio, Barcelona have identified Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi as their No. 1 candidate to replace Busquets and are planning an approach for 2023.

The 23-year-old Zubimendi has grown into a mainstay in the centre of the park for La Real over the past couple of seasons and has shown a lot of progression under the tutelage of manager Imanol Alguacil.

With close to 80 appearances in La Liga, the Spaniard is also fairly experienced at this level and has proven that he can hold his own.

Zubimendi has been on Barça’s radar for a while now and the club got a closer look at him on Sunday night when the Catalans beat Real Sociedad 4-1 at the Reale Arena.

The midfielder has a contract with the Basque club that runs until the summer of 2025. He is further protected by a release clause worth €60 million.

Whether Barcelona indeed launch a move for Zubimendi or look at Neves or a different player altogether to replace Busquets next season remains to be seen.