Manchester City have Rodri, Fernandinho and Ilkay Gundogan who can operate in a deep-lying midfield role, but El Nacional say they want Sergio Busquets too. The 33-year-old is a Barcelona legend after 15 years of service, but the report says he’s ‘fed up’ at the Nou Camp because of Ronald Koeman.
Busquets has made 638 appearances in all competitions for Barca, scoring 15 goals with 41 assists. The Spanish international has spent his entire professional career with the Catalans and wouldn’t leave without a heavy heart, but El Nacional believe Koeman may be the reason he leaves.
While acknowledging that Busquets wanted to retire at Barca, the report says he’s keen to renew acquaintances with former manager Pep Guardiola. Although still a regular this season, Busquets isn’t happy with his role under Koeman and wants to end his long spell in Spain.
City have been tipped to offer the 6ft 2in midfielder a two-year deal and another two years in the MLS if he made the switch, but it’s hard to see Busquets coming to England this late in his career. City plan for the future rather than sign players in the eve of their careers, so it makes little sense to get Busquets.
Guardiola would love a player of his ability, but the Premier League defending champions have the younger Kalvin Phillips on their radar rather than the wantway Barcelona man.
In other news, why Arsenal’s alleged attempt to sign £81m-rated Man City man will fail