Ousmane Dembele Could Become The Fourth Captain Next Season As Sergio Busquets Nears Exit
Barcelona have been experiencing a rough time lately. If the sudden news of Mateu Alemany’s exit was not enough, the club were dealt with another blow yesterday, with Spanish media reporting Sergio Busquets’ desire to leave the club at the end of the season.
Busquets’ departure would leave a large gaping hole in the Barcelona midfield, forcing the club to enter the market for a replacement. The club have already identified a few options, though Martin Zubimendi has still remained the ‘wet dream’ of coach Xavi Hernandez.
Nevertheless, Busquets’ exit will also create a leadership hole. The veteran midfielder is currently the first captain of the club, followed by Sergi Roberto, Jordi Alba, and Marc-Andre ter Stegen, in that order.
Should Busquets depart, Roberto will assume the role of the first captain, followed by Alba and Ter Stegen, with the fourth captain slot becoming vacant.
And, according to SPORT, one of the options being considered by the Barcelona board is Ousmane Dembele.
The Frenchman, who had joined the club in 2017, has emerged as one of Barcelona’s most consistent performers since the start of 2022. He has performed exceptionally well in the final third, emerging as a creative force in the Barça team.
It is no secret that Xavi rates Dembele quite highly, which is why his name will be nominated for the position of Barcelona’s fourth captain next season.
However, the former Dortmund starlet is not the only candidate. The club are also considering the option of Robert Lewandowski and Ronald Araujo – two key players in Xavi’s system.
Araujo lacks the relative experience of the other three captains, but he is a dominant figure at the back and could become the face of the Barça defence in the years to come.
Lewandowski, meanwhile, had only joined the club last summer, but his experience and pedigree are unquestionable. Therefore, it will be interesting to see who ends up becoming the fourth Barcelona captain next season.
