Barcelona midfielder likely to accept club’s renewal offer despite a significant pay cut

Reports circulating in Spanish media earlier today suggested that Barcelona had sent Sergio Busquets an official proposal to renew his contract, albeit on a lower salary.

Now, Helena Condis provides an update on the midfielder’s situation. According to the journalist’s report, the Barcelona captain has good chances of accepting the club’s offer. There are good feelings between the player and Barcelona, and he still feels valued in Xavi’s squad.

As part of his new deal, however, Busquets will receive less than half of his current salary which stands at €30 million. The new contract will see him at Spotify Camp Nou for one year with the option to extend it for another season based on the number of games he participates in.

The captain’s wage reduction is an important part of the deal given that the Blaugranas are under pressure to ease their wage bill. With Busquets accepting a lower salary, the club could have enough space to register incoming players.

Given that Busquets is already 34, one would expect him to have one more year at the most left in his tank. Needless to say, it will be vital for Xavi to chalk out a plan to gradually phase out the captain for a new face next season.

Ilkay Gundogan seems set to become the club’s next midfield signing and can play in the pivot position if the team needs it. However, Barcelona continue to monitor the situations of Martin Zubimendi and Marcelo Brozovic, both of whom they consider the ideal replacements.

Busquets has made 21 La Liga appearances for the club this season, providing three assists in that duration. He averages over ten defensive actions and 70 touches per ninety minutes for the Catalans.

The veteran is expected to start when Barcelona take on Real Madrid in El Clasico at the weekend. He will likely be paired with Pedri and Frenkie de Jong on the night as Barcelona return to their strongest midfield after weeks of missing Pedri’s services.