Barcelona veteran’s continuity linked to Messi’s future, decision not imminent – report

With Sergio Busquets’ contract at FC Barcelona expiring at the end of the season, there has been constant speculation about his future.

Barça, for their part, have tabled a one-year contract renewal offer which would come with a significant salary cut. The deal is also said to have an option for a one-year extension dependent on the number of appearances next season.

It has been almost a month since Barcelona sent that offer, but Busquets has not responded yet. It was reported that the midfielder would announce his decision this week.

But according to the latest update from Adria Albets and Sique Rodriguez, Busquets’ decision on whether to continue or not at Barcelona may still take weeks as his future is directly linked to that of former teammate and club legend Lionel Messi.

The 35-year-old PSG superstar is also set to become a free agent this summer, with his contract with the Ligue 1 champions running out.

Messi has been heavily linked with a return to Barcelona, with the club already working behind the scenes to make the operation possible.

Should the seven-time Ballon d’Or return to the Catalan club, Busquets’ continuity could be assured as well, given that the two are very close.

Similarly, it has been previously reported that Busquets and Messi have always had an interest in playing in the MLS.

So, in the scenario that Barcelona cannot put the pieces in place for Messi’s return and he opts for a move to the United States of America, there may well be a very good chance that Busquets follows in his footsteps.

However, it must be noted that the Argentina captain wants to remain in Europe for at least one more season, despite interest from the MLS and Saudi Arabia.

So, at this point, it is unlikely that Busquets will present a decision on his future right away and it might take a few weeks more, until the picture regarding Messi’s potential return becomes clearer, at which point the midfielder could decide to continue.