Zubimendi the chosen one as Barcelona look for Busquets replacement

The dreaded day is arriving. The moment when Barcelona will have to move on from Sergio Busquets, who is likely to end his glorious career with the club at the end of the season.

Therefore, Barça are working on a replacement to make his exit as easy as possible and the name Martin Zubimendi is the one they like the most.

Barça feel the Real Sociedad midfielder is ready and mature enough to make the jump.

Xavi Hernández and Jordi Cruyff believe he is capable of taking the next step in his career. The name Ruben Neves has also been on the table but Zubimendi is preferred.

The Sociedad midfielder fits Busquets' profile better, is he perfect age (23), knows LaLiga like the back of his hand (won't need to adapt) and has growing experience at the top level.

De Jong doesn't convince

Frenkie de Jong is, currently, the Busquets alternative in the squad. But Xavi would prefer a more positional option. The Dutchman naturally likes to break forward and get into the final third. He doesn't have the balance Xavi wants for the role.

La Real, tough negotiators

Barça are aware that La Real aren't too open to negotiating for their players and that they usually point to the release clause.

Ask Newcastle about Isak. Or Athletic Club about Iñigo Martinez. Both clubs paid the clauses, which in Zubimendi's case (his deal runs until 2025) is €60m.