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Joan Laporta reiterates Barcelona's desire to keep Sergio Busquets

Laporta reiterates Barcelona's desire to keep Busquets
© Reuters
Barcelona boss Joan Laporta says that Sergio Busquets has still not decided whether he will be signing a new deal at the club.

Barcelona boss Joan Laporta has said that the Catalan side are still waiting to learn whether Sergio Busquets will sign a new contract at Camp Nou.

The 34-year-old's current terms with the La Liga outfit will expire at the end of June, and there remains widespread speculation surrounding his future.

A number of MLS clubs are believed to be determined to sign the former Spain captain, while there has also been suggestions of offers from Saudi Arabia.

Busquets is currently on the sidelines with an ankle problem, which could rule him out until next month.

However, he has again been a vital player for the Catalan outfit this season, featuring on 27 occasions in all competitions, including 18 outings in La Liga.

Barcelona's Sergio Busquets in action with Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior on January 15, 2023© Reuters

Laporta has admitted that it would be "difficult" for Barcelona to lose Busquets this summer, with the club still waiting to learn whether the Spaniard wants to continue at the club or seek pastures new.

"For now we are focused on La Liga. Sergio is an important player for us and it'll be difficult for our team's dynamics if he leaves," Laporta told reporters during a press conference.

"When he decides, we'll talk about it. Neither party considers that it's the moment. We had a meeting before Christmas because he had offers from the MLS."

Barcelona boss Xavi also recently commented on the future of his former teammate, claiming that he would be "delighted" if the midfielder decided to sign a new deal.

Barcelona's Sergio Busquets lifts the trophy as he celebrates with teammates after winning the Spanish Super Cup on January 15, 2023© Reuters

"In the end, we all work together and the decision is his. We are waiting to see what he decides. He is a very important person inside and outside, he is the captain," Xavi told reporters.

"He is part of everything and he has earned the right to decide his future. If he can continue, I'd be delighted."

Only Lionel Messi (778) and Xavi (767) have played more times for Barcelona than Busquets, with the midfielder representing the Catalan outfit on 707 occasions in all competitions.

The midfielder picked up his ankle injury in the early stages of the clash with Sevilla last time out, and he is set to miss both legs of his side's upcoming Europa League knockout round playoff with Manchester United.

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TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Barcelona13110240122833
2Real Madrid1283125111427
3Atletico MadridAtletico137511971226
4Villarreal127322319424
5Osasuna136341720-321
6Athletic Bilbao135531913620
7Real BetisBetis135531412220
8Real Sociedad135351110118
9Mallorca135351010018
10GironaGirona135351617-118
11Celta Vigo135262022-217
12Rayo Vallecano124441313016
13Sevilla134361218-615
14Leganes133551316-314
15AlavesAlaves134181422-813
16Las PalmasLas Palmas133371622-612
17Getafe13175811-310
18Espanyol123181122-1110
19Real ValladolidValladolid132381025-159
20Valencia11146817-97


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