Sergio Busquets will not leave Barcelona before the end of the season, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The 34-year-old, who has won everything on offer during his 696 Barcelona appearances, is the subject of interest from MLS franchise Inter Miami, who have tabled a bid for the midfielder.
Busquets is still a starter for both club and country despite his age, but could make the move having been at Barcelona for his entire career.
There were rumours that he had already agreed to move in January, but according to Romano, he is yet to make a decision.
“Barcelona expect Sergio Busquets to finish the current season at the Nou Camp,” he claimed in his Daily Briefing.
“I’ve been told there’s no current plan to let him leave in January. Busquets himself is expected to decide his next steps in few months as Barca want him to stay one more year but Inter Miami have made an official offer.”
TIF Thoughts on Busquets…
With Barcelona struggling financially, they may find it difficult to replace someone who has been a cornerstone of their midfield for over 12 years in the upcoming winter window, so keeping Busquets until the end of the season is a necessity.
Should Busquets express a desire to leave, we think they should let him go at the end of the campaign and look towards their younger players to help fill the void.
Frenkie de Jong could play in a deeper role behind Pedri and Gavi, while they could look to sign a long-term replacement for the club legend in the summer if he departs.
Barcelona manager Xavi played alongside Busquets in midfield for years, and once claimed that he understood the game better than anyone.
“I think he’s the player with the best understanding of football, both in attack and in defence, in the world,” Xavi stated in 2015.
He, therefore, understands just how important the Spaniard is to his side and how damaging it would be to lose his presence mid-season, and it is no wonder that he reportedly wants his former teammate to stick around a little longer.