Sergio Busquets interested in joining Inter Miami

Sergio Busquets’ Spain managed to sneak into the knockout stage of the World Cup on Thursday, despite losing 2-1 to Japan in the final game of their group. They set up a fixture against Morocco in the round of 16. 

Busquets has played club football for Barcelona his entire career, but has hinted at joining Inter Miami as his career winds down. Speaking to Cadena Ser, he said: "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.”

Busquets is a very experienced midfielder who remains a key part of Spain’s team. He is currently their captain, has 142 caps and was part of their squad that won the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. 

He has played 696 times for Barcelona, winning La Liga eight times and the Champions League three times. He has played under Pep Guardiola and alongside Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta and Xavi – forming one of the best ever midfield trios with the latter pair.

Sergio Busquets could move to Inter Miami in MLS this year

His leadership and experience would be a huge boost to Inter Miami, although he is not a goalscorer – he has just two goals for his country and 18 in total for Barcelona. Busquets is a defensive midfielder who is always looking to get his team moving up the pitch. 

The Herons finished sixth in the MLS Eastern Conference last season with a goal difference of -9. Busquets will certainly improve Phil Neville’s side defensively, and they could learn a lot from him. 

Miami will be looking to progress further in the playoffs next season, and Busquets’ signing would be massive in the club fulfilling their ambitions. He could also help the club in recruiting some of his former teammates...including a certain Argentine forward.

Busquets could help Inter Miami sign Lionel Messi

Messi who has also been linked with a move to Miami is well known for being quite a reserved character. If Busquets were to join, the presence of a familiar face who recently admitted he 'misses' Messi could help tip the scales in Miami's favour in the desperate fight for the Argentine's services.

However, it remains to be seen if Messi will extend his stay at Paris Saint-Germain despite strong links with a move to the Herons. 

Another player who played alongside Messi and Busquets at Barcelona is Luis Suarez, who has also been linked with Miami. There is a place at the club for a star striker now that Gonzalo Higuain has retired, and Busquets could be key in finding Miami their man – whether it be Messi or possible Plan B Suarez.

Busquets is now 34, and has won everything at the international and club level. He is unlikely to play in another major tournament, and heading to Miami whilst he can still perform at a high level would seem a perfect way for him to see out the final years of his career.