Barcelona have recently announced the contract extension of Sergi Roberto, who has signed a deal until 2024. The contract reportedly includes a release clause of €400 million and an option to extend the deal for a further year.
Shortly after reaching an agreement with Roberto, Diario SPORT claims Barcelona have kickstarted the process of renewing Sergio Busquets, the other captain of the team.
It appears Xavi and his coaching staff have maintained their desire to keep the veteran midfielder at the club for at least another year. As such, Barça have started probing the agent Josep Maria Orobig over a potential renewal for Busquets.
As per the report, Barcelona will hand Busquets a one-year extension to his current deal, which expires at the end of the season. Just like Roberto, they want the midfielder to make a definitive decision in the coming weeks. They do not want this issue to extend beyond March, as it could impact the club’s squad planning for the summer.
Barcelona, after all, have been heavily linked with moves for other midfielders across Europe, as a potential replacement for Busquets. One of them is Ilkay Gundogan, who may join the club on a free transfer at the end of the season.
Nevertheless, Xavi’s priority is to extend the contract of Busquets, who recently became the player with the most appearances in El Clasico, making his 46th appearance this midweek – ahead of Xavi and Lionel Messi – both with 45.
Busquets’ decision, though, will rely heavily on offers from other entities, especially given the fact that Barcelona’s new offer will include a significant pay cut. The midfielder has been courted by Inter Miami, but the MLS outfit have its salary limitations.
Saudi Arabian giants have probed Busquets as well, but they are yet to come up with an official proposal.
