With the European summer transfer thread gearing into high action with quite a few deals already confirmed, fans of wider football should not just be concentrating on big money Premier League moves or being distracted by the growing and emerging Saudi Arabian market, the MLS continues to have its own pull for players and Inter Miami have just snared former Barcelona captain Sergio Busquets.
The highly decorated and successful 34 year old midfielder, announced back in May that he would finally be leaving the Nou Camp and regular La Liga Champions after an amazing 18 years at the club. The 143 capped Spanish international has now confirmed that he will join up with former Barcelona legend, Lionel Messi, at the MLS franchise after the 35 year old Argentinian World Cup winner confirmed his own move earlier this month.
Having spent 13 years together at Barcelona between 2008 and 2021, the two together – given the professional understanding they have formed – will have a huge impact at Inter Miami in the season to come as they continue their own growth after being incepted back in only 2018.
Their fanbase will definitely be excited about the double arrival of the Barca legends given they were integral parts of the team that lifted three Champions Leagues, eight La Liga titles, and six Copa del Rey’s during their time together.
Given the emergence of the Saudi Pro League this summer in particular, it is believed, that just like Messi, Busquets did receive overtures from at least one side, but he turned them down in favour of moving to David Beckham’s part owned club, and there will certainly be those fans out there who feel that teaming up once again with Messi, may also have been a contributing factor in his decision to move to the United States.
The serial winning Spanish legend leaves Barcelona having made a phenomenal 722 appearances for them, the third most appearances of any player in their entire club history, and with a total of 15 years service at the side he contributed 18 goals and laid on 40 assists in total.
When he announced his decision to depart Barcelona, a statement from them explained that he was ‘one of the best players to ever represent’ them on the pitch, and that is some high praise indeed given the calibre and quality of player they have had through the years.
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