Barcelona boss Xavi's transfer shortlist to replace the exit-linked superstar Sergio Busquets revealed - Reports

Fans of Catalonian giants Barcelona will be concerned about their ageing midfield maestro Sergio Busquets, whose days at Camp Nou are potentially numbered. The club are now in search of a worthy successor to the legendary defensive midfielder, and on the frontline of this transition is manager Xavi Hernandez.

The coach is actively eyeing potential replacements for the Spanish midfield stalwart. Xavi's pursuit has led him to several promising candidates, as reported by SPORT (via Fichajes.net). At the top of his wish list is Real Sociedad's rising star, Martin Zubimendi.

However, the young midfielder's hefty €60 million price tag and Real Sociedad's refusal to entertain any negotiations on the price have put a dampener on Barca's hopes. In light of these hurdles, Xavi has pivoted his attention towards two other prospective successors.

Sofyan Amrabat, the Moroccan midfield engine from Fiorentina, is one of them. Amrabat had previously caught Barcelona's eye during the winter transfer window, but talks didn't proceed beyond a loan agreement at that time. Now, with multiple suitors lined up for Amrabat, prying him away from Fiorentina could prove challenging.

The other name on Xavi's radar is Real Betis' Guido Rodriguez. The Argentine midfielder's La Liga and international experience combined with Xavi's personal endorsement makes Rodriguez a strong contender to fill Busquets' boots.

Despite having a shortlist of potential Busquets' successors, the Barcelona board find themselves on a tightrope. Ensuring a seamless transition in the midfield will be pivotal to maintain the team's equilibrium.

The midfield has always been the heart of their tactical setup, and Busquets' departure could potentially disrupt the team's rhythm.

Therefore, selecting his successor is a task that demands meticulous scrutiny from both the board and coaching staff. The clock is ticking, and Barcelona fans will eagerly await the unveiling of the next deep playmaker in their midfield.

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Barcelona to reunite with Andres Iniesta when they face Vissel Kobe

Andres Iniesta with Vissel Kobe

The Catalan giants have confirmed an upcoming friendly against Vissel Kobe, a team that boasts of Barcelona's midfield legend, Andres Iniesta. This summer encounter is set to be a reunion of old comrades on the pitch, with tickets going live on May 16, according to Football Espana.

Barca will wrap up their domestic campaign against Celta Vigo in early June. From the Spanish coast, they'll embark on a voyage to the Land of the Rising Sun, where they'll lock horns with Iniesta's Vissel Kobe in Tokyo.

This overseas friendly follows a similar strategy Barcelona employed last season when they played against an A-League XI in Sydney. That venture proved profitable, as the club managed to add a healthy €5m to their coffers.

With Barca aiming to recoup finances amidst a challenging period, this friendly is not only a strategic move but also a celebration of their illustrious past.