Barca have set a deadline to sort Sergio Busquets' future

The future of Sergio Busquets could mark a large part of Barça's transfer planning for next season. The Blaugrana would like their captain to continue and this option fits both sportingly and financially. A 'no' from Busquets would force them to look for a top level replacement, so there would be less money for other additions in other positions.

Barça made the offer to Busquets just over a week ago. The player already knew beforehand that the club was going to offer him a short-term contract, but wanted to know the financial details of the proposal. The Blaugrana, with serious salary cap problems, offered him one year with an option for another at a salary of more than 3 million euros net, a figure well below his current salary.

The Blaugrana proposal would be similar to what Busquets could earn in the MLS, so the player's decision would be more about personal and family issues. Xavi Hernandez is trying to convince him to stay, but with the utmost respect for one of the key figures in the club's sporting history to let him pick his own future.

Barça have not been in a hurry, but they have made it clear to the player's entourage that the decision cannot take forever, so everything should be made clear in April. Busquets is hesitating and is still waiting for a higher offer from Arab football, something that has not appeared so far despite the unofficial interest that is emerging. He does not have any official offer, although one could appear and that could unbalance the situation.

A multi-million offer would make the Blaugrana midfielder think a lot, but without it, he could opt for his continuity at Barça. He has shown that he is still at a high level and that has more football to play in his career. With the change of system he is playing with much more support and feels at ease. He is a reference point on and off the pitch.

Barça, just in case, are working on various options that could come with or without Busquets staying. The most advanced at the moment is Gundogan, a Manchester City player. The coaches understand that he is the ideal profile to play either in front of the defence or as an interior midfielder and the player has practically decided not to renew his contract with City, so he would arrive for free. If Busquets renews his contract, there will be less urgency.