Busi’s long-term replacement in sight for Barcelona??

After the departure of club legend Sergio Busquets, FC Barcelona has been in search of someone to fill his big shoes in the long term. Oriol Romeu’s signing has eased Barça’s midfield tension, but he’s 32 and can’t be a long-term solution.

Leicester City’s Ndidi was on Blaugrana’s radar for a while, but his €70M release clause was too expensive for the club’s financial fair play situation. Bayern had a similar issue when they tried to sign the Nigerian last year, but Leicester’s ask price was deemed too much for a player with only one year left on his contract.

Leicester City’s fall from grace has left them hunting for promotion in the English 2nd division this season. This has resulted in many players waiting for their contracts to expire so that they can pursue glory somewhere better than the EFL Championship.

Ndidi receiving FC Barcelona Interest

Wilfred Ndidi is among the players who feels that he must be plying his trade among Europe’s top divisions. According to SPORT, Barça has planned to sign the Nigerian as a free agent as his contract expires on 30 June 2024.

Alongside Barcelona and Bayern, Juventus and Atletico Madrid have also shown interest in the 26-year-old. Ndidi’s playing style defines his high demand in the transfer market. He is known for his defensive prowess, passing and ball-holding abilities. The midfielder’s performances in the EPL were nothing short of stupendous and he has continued the same form in the English 2nd division.

Ndidi can help Barcelona reinforce the pivot role which was played by Busquets before his departure to Inter Miami. Oriol Romeu has taken great charge of the role, but as a 32-year-old he is just a short-term solution. Whether the Blaugrana are successful in capturing the Nigerian star or will other clubs beat Barça to him is to be seen.