Potential transfer boost for Manchester City as Barcelona set to part ways with reported target
Manchester City have been linked with Barcelona’s Sergio Busquets in recent weeks. Club legend and veteran Fernandinho is set to leave the club this summer with him pushed down the order to play a second fiddle to Rodri.
Fernandinho, 36, was to leave last summer but the club decided to offer the defensive midfielder a 1-year extension for the ongoing season. With that said, the player is said to be keen on returning to Brazil and is likely to leave this summer.
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Sergio Busquets has been tipped to be Fernandinho’s replacement at the Etihad with the 32-year-old accustomed to Pep Guardiola’s style of play and at this stage of his career, he is likely to make appearances as a substitute than as a regular starter. Even though he has been a regular feature in Xavi’s Xi this season, it is likely to change come next season.
Having said that, Todofichajes understands that Barcelona are looking to part ways with the ‘heavyweights’ in their dressing room. The likes of Jordi Alba, Gerrard Pique, and Sergio Busquets are in question.
Pique might well be playing his last season at the club and coming to Alba, the left-back has been ineffective ever since Messi left the club. The fact to consider from Blaugrana’s point of view is that the trio are the most-paid players in the squad and the former La Liga champions could do away with them before the start of next term, the source understands.
The idea is to allow Xavi to truly start his project with the players that he wants and a very young squad. Moreover, it would also help Barca to reduce their wage bill., the source concludes.
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The Cityzens could make their move for Sergio Busquets, who despite being in his thirties, is one of the most influential and smartest players on the pitch. Being accustomed to positional play and pressing high up the field, he could fit in well in Pep Guardiola’s system. Moreover, the Spaniard is also one of the best passers of the game.
Busquets is a cheaper but effective alternative to Declan Rice and since the Sky Blues are tipped to go all-out for Erling Haaland next summer, they need all the funds they can gather and with Declan Rice’s valuation on the upper side of €100 million, the reigning Premier League champions could decide to go for Busquets.