To replace Busquets, Barcelona might recruit a Portuguese midfielder in January
Even though Barcelona had a successful summer of hiring, the club captain Sergio Busquets' backup is still an open position.
Numerous individuals, including Martin Zubimendi and Aurelien Tchouameni, have connections to Barcelona. The search for a long-term successor for the seasoned midfielder was, however, put on hold in order to address more pressing issues.
Although Busquets' contract is slated to expire in 2019, Barça now intends to replace the Spain captain during the January transfer window rather than waiting until the following summer, according to SPORT.
Moreover, the article claims that the Catalan giants' favored candidate for the position is none other than Wolves and Portugal midfield mainstay Ruben Neves.
The 25-year-old had been linked with a move to Barça this summer, Additionally, teams like Manchester United and Arsenal expressed interest. Due to Wolves' demands for their prized asset, he will likely remain put at the Molineux for the time being.
Barcelona intends to resume their interest in Neves during the January transfer window immediately following the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, albeit they must find a long-term successor for Busquets fast.
The 25-year-old Portuguese international has already been in contact with all parties over a prospective transfer to Spotify Camp Nou, the report continues. And although the transfer was originally scheduled for the following summer, it might potentially happen as early as January 2023.
Busquets had a poor start to the current campaign, as he was sent off against Rayo Vallecano in the season opener. He will now miss the upcoming clash against Real Sociedad, with either Miralem Pjanic or Frenkie de Jong expected to fill in for him at the Anoeta.
Neither of them is seen as a long-term option as a replacement for Busquets. So, Neves has been the chosen one and a move could be accelerated in January.
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