Xavi, Jordi Cruyff putting pressure on Barcelona president to sign €60 million-rated midfielder

As Barcelona start chalking out plans to prepare for life after midfield mainstay Sergio Busquets, several players have been linked as potential replacements for the veteran star.

The 34-year-old club captain is out of contract at the end of the season. And, as things stand, a renewal is not in sight, with a move to the MLS emerging as the likeliest possibility.

Names like Ruben Neves, N’Golo Kante and Ilkay Gundogan have been doing the rounds as possible targets for Barça to replace their exit-bound captain.

However, manager Xavi Hernandez has his preference clear with regard to the player he wants to sign to take over from Busquets. Indeed, the 42-year-old tactician is keen on recruiting Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad as the ideal replacement for his captain.

Reports indicate that Xavi prefers Zubimendi over Neves as he sees the former as a better fit in a pivot role in the 4-3-3 setup. However, it has been claimed that Barcelona president Joan Laporta is leaning towards Neves as he can be a more affordable option for the club.

But, according to SPORT, Xavi, as well as Barcelona director Jordi Cruyff, are putting pressure on Laporta to sign Zubimendi itself to replace Busquets.

The report suggests that the manager and the director agree on Zubimendi being as the ideal candidate to take over from Busquets due to his technical ability, vision and the potential he possesses.

Furthermore, there has been some contact between Cruyff and the player’s entourage as well, with the report indicating that Zubimendi would be delighted with an opportunity to play for Barcelona. It is the reason why he renewed with Real Sociedad but insisted on keeping his €60 million release clause intact.

However, there is no quorum within the club about signing Zubimendi as the board believe that Real Sociedad will not agree to negotiate a lower fee and see the €60 million investment for the midfielder as a risk, especially at a time when there are financial problems.

Furthermore, the board remain intent on landing Bernardo Silva and want to ensure there are funds available for the Portuguese superstar.

Despite this, however, Xavi continues to insist on the signing of Zubimendi, with the support of Cruyff. Only time will tell whether Laporta and the board give in and sanction the move for the Spaniard.

Player valuation in title obtained from transfermarkt.com on date of publication.