Xavi makes stance clear on Sergio Busquets' Barcelona future

Barcelona coach Xavi has suggested that Sergio Busquets still remains ‘vital’ to the club, with the veteran midfielder now in the final six months of his contract.

Busquets has anchored Barcelona’s midfield since 2009 and has been club captain since 2020. Yet he could leave as a free agent in the summer and has been heavily linked with Inter Miami.

The former Spain international, who turns 35 in July, has previously said that he would like his future to be sorted by February but hasn’t ruled out staying at Camp Nou or moving on.

Xavi, who played alongside Busquets in Barcelona’s midfield until leaving in 2015, appears to be keen on having him stick around for a bit longer.

“For me, he is a transcendental footballer for the team, vital for the dressing room. An example of sacrifice, of leadership. He is priceless,” the Barça boss said this week.

“From a football point of view, he is the equilibrium of the team, he commands his teammates. When he is there and he is not there, you notice it.

“There is a before and after in terms of the defensive pivot with and without Busi. We will always see him as an example, a mould. This one has similar things to Busi, this one doesn't. Vital.”

Busquets will win the 31st trophy of his Barcelona career in the coming days – and only his second as captain – if the Catalans prevail in the Supercopa de Espana. They face Copa del Rey holders Real Betis in the semi-final on Thursday and either Real Madrid or Valencia in Sunday’s final if they win.