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Barcelona manager Xavi has urged the club to sign a replacement for Sergio Busquets this summer.
Busquets, 34, has decided to leave the Blaugrana when his contract expires at the end of the season. He will bring down the curtains on 15 illustrious years at Camp Nou where he made 720 appearances, winning three Champions League trophies and nine La Liga titles.
Xavi has now insisted that Barcelona need to sign a replacement for Busquets. He told the media ahead of his side's game against Real Sociedad tomorrow (May 20):
“We must sign a pivot this summer, it’s a priority to have a new player there following Busquets’ exit.”
Intriguingly, it is Sociedad who boast a midfielder who Xavi is keen on replacing Busquets in the heart of his midfield. Reports claim that the Barca boss is eager to sign Erreala's Martin Zubimendi.
The 24-year-old defensive midfield has been a standout performer for Imanol Alguacil's side this season. He has made 40 appearances across competitions, chipping in with four goal contributions.
Zubimendi's contract with Sociedad expires in 2027 and he has a release clause of €60 million. This is problematic for the Catalan giants as they are in need of shedding €200 million off their wage bill.
However, it is clear that Xavi will head into the summer transfer market looking to replace Busquets. The Spaniard's exit will leave a massive hole in his midfield and Barcelona will also have to appoint a new captain.
Real Sociedad boss Imanol Alguacil comments on Barcelona's interest in Martin Zubimendi
Sociedad manager Alguacil has said that he will ask Xavi about Barcelona's reported interest in Zubimendi. The Spanish midfielder is one of the main players for Erreala. They will be keen to keep hold of him with Champions League qualification all but sealed. He said (via BarcaUniversal):
“I can’t answer you because I don’t know, maybe I’ll ask him [Xavi] tomorrow and see what he says.”
Alguacil also insists that Zubimendi won't be affected by the speculation surrounding his future. He added:
“It won’t affect Martin, it hasn’t affected him so far and it won’t affect him tomorrow either, I’m sure.”
Barcelona's search for a replacement for Busquets may not only see them target Zubimendi. Bayern Munich's Joshua Kimmich and Fiorentina's Sofyan Amrabat have also been mentioned as candidates.
Xavi's side will face Sociedad as La Liga champions after they won the title last weekend. They may be keeping a close eye on Zubimendi's performance at Camp Nou tomorrow.
