MX23RW : Saturday, December 14 10:06:16| >> :120:10500:10500:

Barcelona 'view Ruben Neves, Martin Zubimendi as possible Sergio Busquets replacements'

Barcelona 'view Neves, Zubimendi as possible Busquets replacements'
© Reuters
Wolverhampton Wanderers' Ruben Neves and Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi emerge as possible replacements for Sergio Busquets at Barcelona, according to a report.

Barcelona reportedly view Wolverhampton Wanderers' Ruben Neves and Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi as possible replacements for Sergio Busquets.

Xavi's side are thought to be preparing for the departure of Busquets, with the 34-year-old's contract at Camp Nou due to expire at the end of June.

Inter Miami are believed to be leading the race for the Spain international, who is thought to be keen to move to the MLS at this stage of his career.

According to Marca, Barcelona are already preparing for the veteran's departure and have identified Neves and Zubimendi as potential replacements for the club legend.

The report claims that the Catalan outfit are hopeful of having a deal in place for one of the duo before Busquets officially leaves the club at the end of June.

Wolves captain Ruben Neves in action on August 13, 2022© Reuters

Neves was linked with a move to Barcelona over the summer, while Manchester United and Arsenal were also credited with an interest in the Portugal international.

Wolves were able to keep hold of the 25-year-old, and he has again been a key player this term, scoring once in eight appearances, but the midfielder's contract is due to expire in June 2024.

Neves's profile is believed to suit Barcelona, with the club looking for a midfielder capable of complementing the likes of Pedri, Gavi and Franck Kessie next term.

The Portuguese has made 220 appearances for Wolves since arriving from Porto in July 2017, while he has also been capped on 30 occasions by his country.

Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi pictured in December 2021© Reuters

Zubimendi, meanwhile, is said to have huge admirers at Barcelona, with the 23-year-old emerging as a genuine option for the club during next summer's transfer window.

The midfielder came through the youth system at Real Sociedad, representing their C and B teams before debuting for the first team in 2019.

The Spain international has represented the Basque outfit on 105 occasions in all competitions, contributing three goals and three assists in the process.

Zubimendi has again been a key player for Imanol Alguacil's side this term, featuring on seven occasions in all competitions, contributing one assist.

There is said to be a €60m (£52.3m) release clause in his contract with the Blue and Whites, and the club would allegedly demand that it was paid in full in order to let him leave.

ID:495099:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect5028:
Written by
Matt Law

Click here for more stories about Ruben Neves

Click here for more stories about Barcelona

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Ruben Neves warms up for Wolverhampton Wanderers in March 2022
Read Next:
Barcelona 'closing in on deal for Wolves midfielder Neves'
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free daily transfer newsletter! Sent twice a day during the transfer window.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Barcelona17122350193138
2Real Madrid16113234132136
3Atletico MadridAtletico16105130111935
4Athletic Bilbao1795326151132
5Villarreal157532725226
6Real Sociedad167361611524
7Osasuna166642225-324
8Mallorca177371620-424
9GironaGirona166462223-122
10Celta Vigo166372527-221
11Real BetisBetis165651820-221
12Rayo Vallecano155461516-119
13Sevilla165471723-619
14Las PalmasLas Palmas165382227-518
15Getafe163761113-216
16AlavesAlaves164391827-915
17Leganes163671423-915
18Espanyol1541101528-1313
19Real ValladolidValladolid1733111234-2212
20Valencia152491323-1010


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!