Could Edson Álvarez be Sergio Busquets’ replacement at Barcelona?
Barcelona are reportedly considering Ajax midfielder Edson Álvarez as a replacement for Sergio Busquets.
Barcelona are already considering replacing club legend Sergio Busquets. Busquets is still a key part of Xavi Hernandez’s side but the 34-year-old’s hugely successful spell at Camp Nou is coming to an end.
With the likely departure of the Spain international, the Blaugrana are weighing up their midfield options for 2023.
According to Catalan outlet Sport, one of the names that the Barcelona board is considering for next season is Edson Álvarez. The Mexican midfielder has been one of the most outstanding players at Ajax.
In the summer transfer window, he was close to signing for Chelsea but Ajax refused to let him leave Amsterdam. The offer made by Chelsea at the time was for a reported €50 million.
Barça have been following the 25-year-old closely with Ajax, where the Mexico international has been one of the Dutch side’s key players.
The next few months will be key for the future of Álvarez. While keeping Álvarez as one of their midfield options, Barça will also explore the transfer market until they make a decision on who should replace Sergio Busquets.
Where next for Busquets?
Busquets could be on his way to the MLS next summer and has been linked with a move to David Beckham’s Inter Miami.
Zubimendi signs new deal with La Real
Midfielders Rúben Neves and Martín Zubimendi have both been linked with moves to the Catalan club, however, the latter has since signed a new deal with Real Sociedad until 2027.
Neves linked with move away from Wolves
Barcelona are reportedly in contact with agent Jorge Mendes over the possible transfer of Wolves’ Neves. In a recent interview with Canal 11 in Portugal, the 25-year-old revealed that he would be keen on moving to Camp Nou.
“Who wouldn’t want to play for Barcelona? If you ask in general, all players want to play for Barça, one of the best clubs in the world. It is a privilege for me to be linked with this team.”
Neves’ contract with Wolves runs until 2024, but Mendes is keen on negotiating a deal that could see the Portuguese midfielder move to Barcelona in January on loan, with the club having the option of signing the midfielder in June 2023.