Barcelona: Premier League star emerges as option to replace Busquets

Barcelona: Premier League star emerges as option to replace Busquets

Faruq Ibrahim 23:50 - 14.06.2023

Barcelona have reportedly identified Fulham's highly-rated midfielder Joao Palinha and Benfica's Florentino Luis as potential replacements for Sergio Busquets.

The Blaugrana are in the market for a pivot following the announcement of their captain's exit and have since been linked with a number of options in the position.

The top option named as Xavi's preference, Martin Zubimendi, costs more than the club's finances can allow, leading them to seek cheaper alternatives in the market. 

Palinha and Luis on Barcelona's radar 

According to the Spanish publication Sport, the incoming Blaugrana sporting director, Deco, is working on low-cost options for the pivot position and has identified Palinha and Luis.  

The Cottager has a reported market valuation of €35 million, but Fulham are said to want around €50. However, the report claims they would be open to swap deals.  

Luis, on the other hand, has a high release clause, as is the case with top talents who have left Benfica recently. 

€120 million triggers his clause, but Benfica will reportedly be willing to go as low as €40 and are also open to swap deals.  

Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid star Yannick Carrasco talks about his future amid Barcelona interest.

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