Sergio Busquets hints at reunion with Manchester City-bound Pep Guardiola amid Barcelona contract wranglings

The midfielder, who has also attracted interest at Paris Saint-Germain, is in line for a new contract at the Nou Camp

Mark Critchley
Tuesday 09 February 2016 08:59 EST
Comments
Barcelona midfielder Sergio Busquets
Barcelona midfielder Sergio Busquets (Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Sergio Busquets has hinted that he could leave Barcelona and follow his former manager Pep Guardiola to Manchester City.

The defensive midfielder, whose current deal at the Nou Camp is set to expire in 2019, is believed to be attracting interest from the Citizens as well as Ligue 1 leaders Paris Saint-Germain.

His agent Josep Maria Orobitg, who also represents Guardiola, is reportedly keen to see fresh contract negotiations open between his client and Barcelona, but has touted Busquets’ services to some of European football’s elite in the meantime.

Busquets himself has now admitted that he could be convinced to leave the Catalan club if the opportunity to reunite with his former manager arose.

"I've always said that there are only two people that can change my decision to be here,” he told ESPN.

“One is my wife, who right now is here and is a Barcelona fan, so I don't think there is going to be a problem on a personal level. On a sporting level the other person would be Guardiola.

"It's clear that I owe Guardiola a lot and for me to work with him would be an honour," he added.

Busquets did, however, cast doubt on whether the inbound-Manchester City manager would attempt to prise him from his boyhood club.

"He knows that this is my club and his too, and that the best for me and the club is that I'm here and I don't think he's going to ask for me,” the 27-year-old said.

Barcelona have reportedly promised Busquets a new deal and a significant pay rise in the future but the club are limited by their internal financial controls.

With the likes of Neymar and Lionel Messi also in line for a pay hike, the midfielder’s demands may be seen as less of a priority.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in