Barcelona keeping an eye on 25-year-old Mexican midfielder as Busquets’ replacement

Barcelona’s biggest goal for the 2023 summer market is to find a replacement for captain Sergio Busquets. The veteran midfielder has been unrivalled in his defensive midfield position for nearly a decade and a half at this point, and at this point, has one step out of the club.

If rumours are true, Busquets could be on his way to the MLS next summer, with the prospect of him joining Inter Miami looming large.

The problem with replacing the 34-year-old, however, is that his profile is probably one-of-one in world football. Barça have enjoyed immense success with him at the helm, and have been looking for someone who can replicate his profile for years.

At this point, though, finding any defensive midfielder is more important. Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Ruben Neves seems to be on top of the shortlist of replacements, but SPORT suggest that Barcelona are also keeping tabs on Ajax’s Edson Alvarez.

The Mexican midfielder plays with an Ajax side that are aiming to play the same brand of football as Barcelona. He has been the Amsterdam outfit’s starting pivot for nearly three seasons running now, and is attracting attention from top European clubs.

Chelsea made an offer worth €50 million in the last week of the window to Ajax for the Mexican’s services, but were rejected due to a lack of replacements.

The rumours suggest that Ajax would, ideally, accept an offer worth that much, should they receive it in time. Barcelona, at present, do not want to shell out €50 million for the Ajax star, but are keeping a watchful eye on him to see how the situation develops.