Sergio Busquets, the club captain for Barcelona, has announced that he will depart the Nou Camp at the conclusion of the 2022–2023 season.
He is now anticipated to move to Saudi Arabia and join Al Hilal, sparking rumours that Lionel Messi may do the same this summer.
Busquets’ current contract expires at the end of the current campaign. Barcelona had offered him a new one, but accepting it would have required him to accept a pay cut of 70%.
The veteran midfielder’s preparations to end a successful run at his boyhood club were disclosed by the Blaugrana on Wednesday.
“It has been an honour, a draw and a source of pride to have been able to wear this badge but everything must come to an end,” Busquets told club channels.
Read Also: Ole Gunnar Supports Michael Carrick To Become Manchester United’s Manager
“It hasn’t been an easy decision but the time has come. Thank you to all those people who have accompanied me on this journey, as well as [club] members and fans.”
A reunion of the two players in Saudi Arabia this summer is possible as a result of Busquets decision to leave Barça, which comes just 24 hours after Messi’s father Jorge had to dismiss a report that his son had already signed for Al Hilal.
The club has made Sergio Busquets a tax-free offer of about €15 million (£13 million) each season.
Also, Jordi Alba’s contract with Barcelona expires in 2024, and Al Hilal are also interested in signing him.
Busquets has played in 719 first-team games for the club overall, which is third most in club history behind Lionel Messi and Xavi. He won accolades on the international stage as a key member of the Spain team that won the 2010 World Cup and the 2012 Euro Championship.
Busquets rose to prominence as one of the best midfielders of his generation due to his club and national team performances alongside Andrés Iniesta and current Barça manager Xavi.
