Sergio Busquets' replacement could arrive at Barcelona in January
The Catalan club feel a defensive midfielder is their next priority
Everything will depend on how this summer ends. If Frenkie de Jong ends up leaving and, finally, Bernardo Silva arrives. And, evidently, on how Miralem Pjanic ends up performing. The Bosnian midfielder is a personal bet by Xavi Hernandez to cover a key position in the Barcelona side, as backup to Sergio Busquets.
With all these conditions in mind, Barça could plan to bring in Busquets' long-term replacement in January, a transfer window that will be very different to previous years because it will come after the World Cup.
Therefore, it could seem more like a summer window, with more clubs likely to be keen to bring in players for the decisive phase of the season.
Barça are working with the idea that the investment next summer will be on a player to sit in front of the defence. Busquets is out of contract in 2023 and everything indicates he will leave. Bringing forward the signing of a replacement would ease the adaptation process.
Busquets will be missing this weekend against Real Sociedad through suspension. As things are with De Jong, the most likely option to replace him is Pjanic. It will be a test of fire at Anoeta. If it all goes well, though, it will be a huge relief for Barça.
Right now, the chosen Busquets substitute long-term is Wolverhampton's Ruben Neves. Everything has been spoken about with the player and he will wait for Barça next summer. Within six months, a fee could be closed if needs must.
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