Barcelona to hold talks with key player over contract extension next week - Reports
Barcelona will reportedly hold talks with Sergio Busquets next week over extending his stay at the Camp Nou. The veteran Spanish midfielder's deal expires at the end of the season.
Mundo Deportivo reports that the 34-year-old's representative, Josep Maria Ortobig, and the Barca hierarchy will hold a meeting next week to discuss his renewal. Busquets was seemingly headed to the MLS to join Inter Miami with his contract expiring. However, he's now willing to listen to the Blaugrana's proposal.
One reason for that is because his longtime friend and PSG attacker Lionel Messi is unsure of heading to Miami. Herons boss Phil Neville said that his MLS side were trying to lure Busquets and Messi to the DRV PNK Stadium.
Sergio Busquets has surpassed Lionel Messi and Sergio Ramos to become the player with the most El Clásico appearances 🙌 https://t.co/j8Yup9PUAl
Busquets has featured 30 times across competitions this season, providing an assist and helping his side keep 17 clean sheets. He has been a mainstay in the Blaugrana side since making his debut in 2008, making over 700 appearances.
Xavi is keen for Busquets to stay at Barcelona and has held a conversation with the midfielder. That's said to have radically changed the situation. If the Spaniard renews his contract, he will follow Sergi Roberto, who's put pen to paper on a new one-year deal.
Hakan Calhanoglu says Barcelona' Franck Kessie would be welcome at Inter Milan
Franck Kessie has endured a miserable spell at Barcelona since joining the La Liga giants from AC Milan on a free transfer last summer. He has featured 29 times, starting just 12 of those games, scoring two goals, and providing three assists.
The Ivorian has been linked with a move to the Rossonerri's rivals Inter. His former Milan teammate Calhanoglu has said that the midfielder would be welcome at Simone Inzaghi's side. He said (via Football Italia):
“He is a friend and a top player, and here champions are always welcome. We speak a lot; it’s true. He plays for a big club, but he knows Inter are the same.”
Monsieur, Franck Kessie https://t.co/OCJ3tH7JIH
SPORT reports that Kessie won't be leaving the Camp Nou in the summer. Barcelona have been barred from buying players in the upcoming transfer window by La Liga.
Hence, they're reluctant to part ways with the Ivorian, as they will not be able to sign a replacement. Moreover, the Blaugrana have appreciated Kessie's patience while spending a while out of the first team.