Busquets successor sought
FC Barcelona need a successor for their captain Sergio Busquets. The 34-year-old midfielder is said to be leaving the top Spanish club when his contract expires in the summer of 2023. Inter Miami is considered the likely destination. The club icon could be followed in Barcelona by Rúben Neves of Wolverhampton Wanderers. As “Sports” reported, there are several possibilities for a winter transfer of the 25-year-old.
Financial hurdles and the player’s interests would obviously not fail to sign the Portuguese. According to the newspaper, Neves’ advisor Jorge Mendes (Gestifute) is working intensively on a transfer of his client. The 56-year-old has presented the Catalans with some economically feasible models for January and is now awaiting the go-ahead from Barça President Joan Laporta for a deal to go through.
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However, the decision-makers do not seem to be completely convinced of an implementation in the Neves case (yet), at least the sporting management around coach Xavi is currently hesitating and examining other options on the market. However, those responsible understood that they would have to sign a technically gifted but also very physical professional for the soon-to-be-vacant position in order to meet the modern demands of football.
FC Barcelona eyeing Tchouameni & Zubimendi – Neves confirmed interest
Barcelona have also had Aurélien Tchouameni on their radar to replace Busquets in the past, they say. However, the 23-year-old Frenchman went from Monaco to arch-rivals Real Madrid for €80m last summer. Xavi has also had his eye on Martín Zubimendi (Real Sociedad) but the 23-year-old is said to be out of reach financially. Now the “Operation Rúben Neves” seems to have progressed very far, although it is by no means complete.
The national player with a contract until 2024 could move to Spain for a transfer far below the 50 million euros demanded by the “Wolves” in the summer – or on loan for six months plus a purchase option. “All players want to play for Barça! It’s one of the best clubs in the world. It is a privilege for me to be associated with this team. Who wouldn’t want to play for Barcelona? That’s normal,” Neves said (quoted via Fabrizio Romano) a few days ago, bringing momentum to the rumor mill.
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