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If the present LaLiga Santander season is ongoing, at FC Barcelona they don't want to leave anything to chance and they are already planning the details of what will be the next season. One of the top priorities for Xavi Hernández is the formation of the squad, however, the situation has already complicated in an area where they seemed to have found the solution: the replacement of Sergio Busquets.
Although the 'Barça' coach has reiterated on more than one occasion that the Catalan midfielder remains in his plans and he has not thought of anyone to replace him, the information coming from Spain says the opposite. Thus, this time the first obstacle -and perhaps definitive- that would truncate a future negotiation with 'Busi''s possible substitute has appeared.
Martín Zubimendi from Real Sociedad is involved. He is a midfielder with a lot of technique who has caught Xavi's eye. Unfortunately for Barcelona's coach, the 23-year-old player is about to renew with his club, according to information from the newspaper 'Sport'.
As recently published by the aforementioned source, the Basque team, upon learning of the interest of several teams in signing Zubimendi, has planned a renewal until 2027 with a prohibitive clause. This would mean that 'Barça' is very far from signing him, since the idea of the Catalan directors was to incorporate him in mid-2023.
Real Sociedad is aware that they will not be able to retain their jewel for much longer, so in order to prevent him from being taken away, this prohibitive clause would give great priority to continuing with the sports project they have with him. Thus, any negotiation attempt with Barcelona would be left aside.
Another player who catches attention in the Catalan store is Rúben Neves from Wolverhampton. However, with Zubimendi falling through, Xavi will wait a little longer to decide which midfielder to add to his squad. This player, as evident, must have certain similar characteristics that resemble Busquets' game.
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How is Barcelona doing in LaLiga Santander?
With the match against Celta de Vigo yet to be played at the Spotify Camp Nou, FC Barcelona is in second place with nineteen points after seven matchdays, two points behind Real Madrid who has played one more game. Precisely in the next match, they will visit the 'Merengues' at the Santiago Bernabéu in another edition of the Spanish clásico.
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