Busquets talks Zubimendi, Kimmich, Rodri, de Jong, Nico as possible replacements

Sergio Busquets appears to have played his final game for Barcelona and is set to leave Camp Nou at the end of the season.

Speaking to Mundo Deportivo, the defensive midfielder has talked about Barcelona’s search for a replacement. He notably praised the likes of Martin Zubimendi and Joshua Kimmich, even raising the possibility of Nico getting an opportunity next season.

“Yes, yes. I’m following him, I know there’s a lot of talk about players, about Rodri as well. They are very good players and perhaps the ones that most match the DNA and the style that is wanted here,” he said.

Zubimendi is indeed one of Xavi’s top choices in his bid to replace Busquets in the long run. Barcelona, though, are likely to have a tough time going after the Spaniard, who is set to cost around €60 million. This has led to Barcelona searching for other alternatives, including Kimmich.

“It’s a little different, it’s German football. But in the end, you don’t have to look for the exact same DNA,” he added.

Busquets went on to talk about Nico, urging Barcelona to hand more chances to La Masia players. “We also have players at home. We have Nico, who is on loan, and I think he is doing very well. You have to give opportunities to players from La Masia,” he said.

“There are many conditions, and you have to give the opportunity to the people of the youth academy and that economically you know that you are not going to spend the price of a transfer that today I don’t know if they are capable.”

Nico is currently plying his trade for Valencia, but he is set to return to Camp Nou following the end of his loan spell. However, there are suggestions he could be loaned out again following a loan spell that has been botched by injuries.

When asked if Zubimendi, Rodri and Nico are the closest possible options to replace him at the club, he responded:

“I like all three of them a lot and I have played with them in the national team. I’ve met Zubimendi less I’ve seen him less, but I’ve seen him in the U-21 and because we’ve played against each other. I think those three are the closest.”

Finally, Busquets entertained the idea of Frenkie de Jong playing at defensive midfield. But the veteran revealed that the Dutchman is more comfortable playing alongside a number six.

“He can play there sporadically, but he feels more comfortable with someone by his side so that he can push forward, without being so positional,” he said.