Barcelona will have multiple crucial decisions to make in this year’s summer transfer window. Among them, Barca will have to decide on just who will replace Sergio Busquets.

Busquets announced earlier this month that he will leave the Catalan side at the end of this season. There was much speculation that Busquets would end up putting pen to paper on a contract extension deal with the club, but in the end, the veteran midfielder decided otherwise.

Barcelona has a few players on its roster who have what it takes to become the team’s go-to central defensive midfielder for next season. Nonetheless, Barca manager Xavi believes that it is an “absolute priority” for the club to bring in such a player during this year’s summer transfer window.

“Yes, it’s obvious,” Xavi said during a pre-match press conference ahead of Barca’s La Liga home fixture against Real Sociedad. “Weeks ago, we did not know if Busquets was staying.

“Now we already know, so it’s an absolute priority to sign a defensive midfielder.”

Barca has been linked with several defensive midfielders as of late, including Real Sociedad standout Martin Zubimendi. The Spanish international has emerged as one of the more potent defensive midfielders in Spain’s top flight today, as he has proven to be a player who can not only win back possession on a regular basis but also push up play into the final third. He has four years left on his contract at Real Sociedad, and he holds a €60 million release clause.

Article Continues Below
More Soccer News
A general overall view of Parc des Princes. The stadium is the home of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and a soccer venue for the 2024 Paris Olympics. PSG UCL celebration death
2 dead, police officer in coma after mass PSG UCL title celebrationsOwen Crisafulli ·
U.S. Women's National Team forward Michelle Cooper (12) shoots the ball against China PR defender Wu Haiyan (5) during the first half at Allianz Field.
USWNT dazzles fans with impressive win over ChinaRichard Pereira ·
Desire Doue and Senny Mayulu with the PSG logo in the background
PSG makes insane history with 5-0 smashing of Inter in UCL finalRohan Brahmbhatt ·
Spain head coach Luis Enrique reacts following the loss against Morocco in penalty kicks in the round of sixteen match of the 2022 FIFA World Cup at Education City Stadium.
Inter Milan clowned on social media after 5-0 PSG defeat in UCL FinalJordan Llanes ·
Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold (66) passes the ball away from Borussia Dortmund forward Jacob Bruun Larsen (34) in the second half of a pre-season preparation soccer match at Notre Dame.
Ex-Liverpool star to join Real Madrid for €10m feeJordan Llanes ·
May 16, 2025; Harrison, New Jersey, USA; Gotham FC forward Geyse Ferreira (10) kicks the ball during the first half against San Diego Wave FC at Sports Illustrated Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Gotham FC makes history with Concacaf W Champions Cup victoryZachary Draves ·

Xavi took some time on Friday to laud Real Sociedad’s promising midfielder.

“I like all of Real,” Xavi said. “Imanol does an extraordinary job, they look a bit like our style. Zubimendi is an extraordinary pivot. He wins duels, understands the game, with and without the ball. He is extraordinary.”

Zubimendi is projected to earn a start for Real Sociedad against the reigning La Liga winners on matchday 35.

Barcelona has a mere four fixtures left on its La Liga schedule this season, and it is just five points away from reaching the 90-point mark for the first time in five years.