Rabat – Moroccan midfielder Sofyan Amrabat remains one of FC Barcelona’s options in their preparations for the coming departure of Sergio Busquets, who is leaving the club after 15 years.
Spanish outlet Sport said that Barcelona’s board has shortlisted three ideal candidates to replace Busquets.
While Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi remains head coach Xavi’s preferred options, his club’s hefty demands could make him inaccessible, especially with the Catalan club’s precarious finances.
Amrabat, meanwhile, was a target during the January transfer window, but Barca were ultimately unable to sign him as negotiations started on the window’s final day.
Should Fiorentina’s reported asking fee of 25 million euros still be unattainable for Barcelona, Real Betis’ Guido Rodriguez was cited as a potential third option.
Busquets, who has spent his entire senior career at the Spanish club, announced earlier this week that he will leave FC Barcelona at the end of the season, becoming the last of the renowned Pep Guardiola team to depart.
Earlier this month, Spanish sport daily Mundo Deportivo described Amrabat as a worthy successor for the revered Spaniard.
The Moroccan was on the verge of securing his “dream move” to Barcelona on loan in January, but his club ACF Fiorentina demanded that the Blaugrana include an obligation to buy the player for 35 to 40 million euros.
Speaking to Egyptian outlet Kora Plus earlier this year, Amrabat’s agent Mohamed Sinouh revealed that Manchester United was one of the teams approaching the Moroccan for his services.
He added that Fiorentina are open to facilitating a move for the midfielder this summer.
Read also: Fiorentina ‘Welcomes’ Amrabat Move for the Summer
The outlet said the Moroccan was Xavi’s preferred option to succeed Busquets due to his physical solidity, technical ability, and tactical awareness.
Amrabat became a transfer target for several clubs following his impressive performances at the 2022 Qatar World Cup, where he was vital in Morocco’s run to the semi-finals.
