Barcelona’s already very tough job in the summer transfer market has already become much more difficult as Sergio Busquets has announced his departure from the club at the end of the season.
Xavi wanted the veteran to continue at the club for another season so they could garner funds and scout the market properly for a defensive midfielder up until next window. He also considered Busi’s experience vital to a rather young and hungry team.
They have been looking multiple places in their search of a defensive midfielder, and have the likes of Martin Zubimendi, Joshua Kimmich, Sofyan Amrabat, Ruben Neves, among others, on their radar.
No official move for any player has been made yet, though, as La Liga are yet to approve their financial feasibility plan for the transfer market.
Meanwhile, Barcelona have been recommended another #6 by none other than super-agent Jorge Mendes.
The Portuguese believes Sporting’s Manuel Ugarte would be ideal for Barcelona, according to SPORT. He has urged the Catalan board to chase his signature.
Barcelona certainly like Ugarte’s profile, and are considering him as one of the options to reinforce the position, but he is not their priority target. They do not want to rush into signing him even though there are multiple clubs in the race.
Chelsea and PSG are two of the interested parties, both ready to shell out €60 million for his signature. The former could face problems with Financial Fair Play, though, after spending a fortune last summer.
Barcelona have a good bond with Sporting, a club that ‘fully controls Mendes’. In case of any genuine interest, the blaugranes would receive priority from the Portuguese giants.
Zubimendi is the priority for Xavi in that position, but his release clause stands at €60 million, which will be absolutely non-negotiable. While Ugarte’s price tag is around a similar fee, Barça might be able to haggle Sporting on to a more favourable number.
