Barcelona director names Chelsea flop in three-man transfer shortlist to replace Sergio Busquets

Barcelona sporting director Deco has named three players that could replace Sergio Busquets.

Having played for the likes of Badia, Barbera Andalucia, Leida and Jabac Terrassa in his youth career, Busquets joined Barcelona’s academy back in 2005.

Two years later, Busquets was promoted to the Catalan club’s B team before making his senior first-team debut in 2008.

Busquets developed into one of the finest midfielders of his generation and ended up making 722 appearances across all competitions, scoring 18 goals.

The trio of Busquets, Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta will go down as one of the best midfield combinations to ever grace a football pitch.

Back in May 2023, the Spaniard announced his decision to leave Barcelona, later signing for MLS side Inter Miami to reunite with former teammates Jordi Alba and Lionel Messi.

Speaking recently, Barcelona’s director Deco said replacing Busquets is almost impossible.

As per transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, Deco said: “It’s almost impossible to replace Busquets. Rodri is the closest but City would never sell him to any club!.

“Kimmich is another top player... but it’s also not easy to sign him. Look at how much Chelsea paid for Caicedo, it’s not easy at all.”

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Barcelona are heading into a summer of uncertainty as manager Xavi is set to step down at the end of the 23/24 season.

Explaining his decision to leave the club, Xavi said: “We have reached a point of no return. It's time for change. As a Culé, I think that it's time to leave. I spoke with the board and the club today. I will leave on the 30th of June.

“Everything will be calmer now, we can compete for the Champions League… at least with this decision, you [the press] won’t kill me anymore. The club will improve with this decision.”

Barcelona will be back in La Liga action this weekend when they take on Granada at the Estadio Olimpico Lluis Companys on Sunday afternoon.