Sergio Busquets and Xavi Hernandez have come a full circle at FC Barcelona.
Back in 2015 when Xavi announced his departure from the club, it was the defensive midfielder who knew he would have to bear the weight of the departing maestro on his shoulders. Fast forward seven years and Xavi is faced with the crisis of navigating through Busquets’ departure with minimal damage.
According to reports from SPORT, the Barcelona manager is pressing his former teammate to renew at the club for one more season.
The midweek collapse in El Clasico has not changed anything in Xavi’s mind regarding the subject and he still sees Busquets as a vital part of the side next season.
A contract offer is already understood to be on the table, but Busquets has requested more time to make a decision, amid proposals from the USA and Saudi Arabia.
The midfield maestro will turn 35 later this year, yet is one of the most fundamental players in the manager’s system. The Catalans know that his retirement or departure is an unavoidable reality, yet their desperation to hang on to him is understandable.
Very few players in the world can claim to possess a skillset as unique as Busquets. His ability to read the game, orchestrate proceedings and circulate the ball is second to none.
Barcelona are on the hunt to find a player with a comparable profile to at least, in part, fill his shoes. Martin Zubimendi stands as the best profile but Real Sociedad’s economic demands are said to be atrocious.
Ilkay Gundogan is currently the favourite to arrive in the summer to reinforce the midfield department. But given how vital Busquets is to the way Barça operate, his staying for another season would not hurt.
The 34-year-old has made 22 La Liga appearances for Barcelona this season and has provided three assists. He averages close to one key pass and ten defensive actions in every game.
