Sergio Busquets is interested in joining David Beckham’s Major League Soccer (MLS) club Inter Miami when his Barcelona contract expires in June.
Sergio Busquets and Lionel Messi played together at Barcelona (Image: AFP/Getty Images)
Busquets, 34, has spent his entire professional career at Camp Nou but is intrigued by a new challenge. He’s admitted joining Inter Miami and working under Phil Neville is his preference if he leaves Barcelona, and he wants to make a decision on his future by February.
The Spain international could reunite with former Barcelona team-mate Lionel Messi in Florida, as Beckham is working on a deal to sign the Argentine from Paris Saint-Germain. Like Busquets, the 35-year-old forward is out of contract at the end of the season.
Busquets revealed his admiration for Inter Miami at a press conference on Wednesday. The midfielder is captaining Spain at the Qatar World Cup and is aiming to lead his team to victory against Germany on Thursday. He is also the Barcelona skipper.
“I know it’s the last year [of my contract], but I have always said that I have nothing signed with anyone,” Busquets told Cadena Ser. “I would like to have some certainty by February.
“I have always said I would like to play in the United States, above all in Miami, but from there I have not reached any agreement with any club – in the US or in any other league. Barcelona will be the first to know. When I have made a decision, I will tell them.”
Sergio Busquets is out of contract in June ( Image: Getty Images)
Busquets is regarded as one of the best midfielders of his generation after winning eight LaLiga titles, three Champions Leagues, the 2010 World Cup, Euro 2012 and countless other honours. He rarely misses a game for Barcelona, making 721 senior appearances.
Inter Miami are looking to sign a number of top players ahead of the new MLS season, which starts in February. It’s believed Luis Suarez and Cesc Fabregas are on Beckham’s transfer shortlist, but seven-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi is his primary target.
Messi has previously admitted he is interested in playing in MLS and even owns an apartment in Miami. Despite turning 36 next June, the Argentina captain is still playing at a very high level – scoring 12 goals and providing 16 assists for PSG this season.
Sergio Busquets confirms farewell to Barca ( Image: Getty Images)
Messi has also made a good start to the World Cup. Although Argentina lost their opening game 2-1 to Saudi Arabia, their skipper has scored twice. His long-range strike against Mexico inspired Lionel Scaloni’s side to a 2-0 victory to keep their hopes alive.
Messi’s representatives have tried to quash speculation linking him with Miami, as the forward concentrates on winning the World Cup. “It’s false – it’s fake news,” agent Marcelo Mendez told CNN. “There is no negotiation for Lionel to join Inter Miami next season.”
Yet Messi has previously admitted: “I would like to play in the United States one day; it’s always been one of my dreams.”
