No deadline set for Barcelona icon to take a decision on future, contract offer tabled

According to Mari Carmen Torres of MARCA, Barcelona captain Sergio Busquets is in no rush to take a decision on his future after having received a contract offer from the club. There is no deadline set for the veteran midfielder to make the final call on his next move.

Busquets’ current contract with Barcelona expires at the end of the ongoing campaign. At one point, it looked like the 34-year-old could end up leaving the club to join Inter Miami in the MLS.

But, manager Xavi Hernandez has made it clear that he wishes to keep his midfield general in the team for the next season as well. To that end, Barça have sent Busquets an offer for renewal, which include a massive 75% salary reduction for him.

Busquets has been offered a one-year contract with an option of an additional twelve months which will be triggered based on the number of appearances he makes next season.

The former Spanish international, however, is yet to decide whether to sign that offer or not and is in no hurry to do so either.

Busquets also has much more lucrative offers from Saudi Arabia, while clubs from the MLS are also knocking on his doors.

While he does not want the entire situation to turn into a soap opera, Busquets also does not wish to rush into a decision. He is assessing all offers on the table, with his family.

At the same time, he does not want this to become a distraction ahead of a crucial juncture in the season with Barcelona closing in on the La Liga title while being a step away from making it to the finals of the Copa del Rey.

Barça, for their part, hope that Busquets will accept their offer as they realise it is extremely difficult to find a quality replacement for him in the market, especially at a time when they are bogged down by Financial Fair Play issues.

Names such as Martin Zubimendi and Ilkay Gundogan, among others, have been mentioned. But with the FFP rules being a hindrance, retaining Busquets, who Xavi has total faith in, is seen as the best way forward.

If the midfielder does not sign a new contract, Barcelona could look at someone from within the club, such as Frenkie de Jong, to replace Busquets in the pivot position.