Barcelona midfielder set for extension talks in the coming days

According to SPORT, Barcelona midfielder and captain Sergio Busquets is set to meet with the club in order to discuss his future beyond the ongoing season.

The 34-year-old midfielder is in the final five months of his contract at Camp Nou, which has put his continuity at the club under doubt.

Manager Xavi Hernandez has made it clear that he wants his captain to remain at the club for one more year. And while Busquets is open to that possibility, Barcelona are yet to make a formal contract proposal for him, even though they are close to renewing Sergi Roberto.

But that could be set to change soon as the midfielder’s entourage is set to meet with the Barça officials in the coming days in order to sit and discuss the veteran’s contract.

The report states that the meeting could take place soon after the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg against Real Madrid where Barcelona wish to learn what Busquets’ decision regarding his future is.

Barcelona management’s idea is to offer Busquets a one-year deal, which will obviously be a downward renewal, given that they need to shed their wage bill by a massive amount of €150-200 million before next season.

The Catalan giants hope to learn about the midfielder’s stance in March so that they can prepare for what is next in case he decides to move on.

Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad remains the priority for the Blaugrana to replace Busquets in case he does leave. However, his release clause of €60 million makes things difficult for Xavi’s side to swoop him away.

Busquets, for his part, is also attracting interest from clubs in the MLS and Saudi Arabia. Inter Miami, in particular, have been pursuing his signing for some time now.

So, the midfield icon will have a tough decision to make based on several factors and it remains to be seen which way he leans.