EUROPEAN FOOTBALL

Barcelona and Xavi adamant over Zubimendi signing

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It is finally looking like an end to a beautiful era for Barcelona. Sergio Busquets is also set to leave his beloved club at the age of 33. Arguably the best Defensive Midfielder in the history of football, it is nearly impossible to replace Busquets. The Spaniard has quality and intelligence that no one has ever possessed and this season will be his last in Barca. Xavi respects Busquets and his decision to leave after winning it all for club and country. Sergio Busquets communicated to the club that he will be leaving in 2023 as a free agent.

The 33-year-old has plans to now relax and play less intense football in USA. Inter Miami are the team interested in Busquets and he will be in Miami next season. Busquets felt that it was now time for him to leave and let the youngsters thrive and take the club to the top. After around 15 years of service for the club, he leaves as a player the club and the fans will always miss. But all things aside, Xavi has already identified his replacement. Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad will be a Barcelona player next season if the Catalans strike an agreement with La Real.

Zubimendi’s current contract with Real Sociedad runs until 2025 and Barcelona will have to pay around €60 million to get his services. Xavi is very impressed with Zubimendi’s handling of the ball in the park. At only 23 years of age, Zubimendi is a great leader on and off the pitch. Barcelona really needs leadership next season. He is physically strong with his calmness on the ball reminiscent of Busquets. Moreover, he is really good in one on one challenges also. Barcelona was linked with the Catalans for a long time. But now the club believes it is the right time to go for him.

Will Zubimendi be too expensive?

Getting a player of Zubimendi’s quality is not easy. Real Sociedad will not let him go without a fight as they want him at the club beyond the current season. As per reports, they have already started discussing a new contract with him. Earlier, his market value was reported to be near the €60 million mark. But now, Real Sociedad wants to increase Zubimendi’s value by around €30 million. This would make his value €90 million as according to the new deal they are looking to discuss with Zubimendi.

The club is also looking to increase his salary so that he may stay at the club. The 23-year-old would then become one of the highest-earning players at the club. The club wants to do everything to make Zubimendi stay at the club or at least get the most money for him. The club knows that it is not easy to say NO to a club like Barcelona.

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