30 May 2023 , 14:34
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Sergio Busquets has backed four players to fill his boots at Barcelona - but Frenkie de Jong isn't one of them.
After 15 years with the Catalan giants, in which he won nine La Liga and three Champions League titles as well as a host of other trophies, the 34-year-old will leave for pastures new this summer. The Spanish midfielder, who also won the 2010 World Cup for his country, has been linked with a move to Saudi alongside fellow Barca legend Lionel Messi.
Despite the financial uncertainty hanging over Xavi's side, they still sauntered to Spain's top flight title this season. It proved a fitting final bow to Busquets, with focus now turning to how the club replace the man who made 747 appearances for them in all competitions.
Dutch playmaker Frenkie de Jong remains at the club despite his ongoing links to a reunion with Erik ten Hag at Manchester United. But when asked about who shout step up as the lynchpin of the Barca midfield amid his departure, Busquets seemingly snubbed the £65 million rated man.
"My favourite option would be Rodri as new pivot for Barca, but I’m told it’s very difficult," he told RAC1. "(Joshua) Kimmich or (Martin) Zubimendi? I feel Zubi suits our style better, then there’s an internal option with Nico (Gonzalez)."
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The assertion that it would be difficult to sign Rodri from Man City seems a realistic one, given the starring role the Spaniard has played in his team's treble bid this season. And whilst Guardiola has been prepared to let big stars leave before, most notably Cancelo in January, there has been no indication the 26-year-old is heading for the exit door at the Etihad.
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Sergio Busquets is leaving Barcelona after 15 years at the club (Getty Images)But naming Gonzalez has the premier 'internal option' will raise eyebrows. The 21-year-old featured regularly for Barca during the 2021/22 campaign, but is yet to prove himself at the club having been loaned out to Valencia this time around.
De Jong meanwhile, has inevitably been linked to Old Trafford again after the drawn-out saga of last summer. The two clubs reportedly agreed a fee after United's representatives flew over to Spain, but the deal was seemingly scuppered by the former Ajax man's intention to recuperate wages owed by Barca, which related to him agreeing to take a temporary pay cut during the Covid-19 pandemic.
And Ten Hag is reportedly keen to avoid another prolonged pursuit, and will turn his attentions elsewhere if a deal can't be wrapped up quickly after the transfer window opens. After securing a return to Champions League football, the Dutch boss is keen for midfield reinforcements given the ages of key players Casemiro and Christian Eriksen.