The Badia midfielder ends his contract this year and is no longer tied to the Barça squad.
Sergio Busquets is exiting FC Barcelona on a permanent basis after a storied 15-season spell with the first team. He announced his retirement in a video shared on Barça’s social channels, signaling that he will bid farewell to the club he has called home since his youth on June 30. He chose not to accept the extension proposal placed on the table, confirming his decision to walk away from Camp Nou and to play his final games for the club in the remainder of the season.
Xavi pressed for continued service at Barça
Barça attempted to secure Busquets for another term, recognizing his pivotal role in the team under Xavi Hernández. The coach publicly and privately voiced his desire to keep the midfielder for at least one more season, viewing him as integral to the club’s plans. The club offered a modest extension, and while money was not the decisive factor in Busquets’ final choice, he ultimately informed the club of his intention to depart on June 30. Although the announcement is not yet formal, several outlets indicate that it is imminent.
Speculation about destinations: Arabia, Qatar, MLS…
With his Barça chapter ending, Busquets becomes a free agent on July 1, free to explore new opportunities without a transfer fee. Speculation has linked him with several clubs. Reportedly, an Arab club has shown interest, while MLS teams, including Inter Miami, are also mentioned in various reports. Regardless of the destination, the absence of a transfer price is a result of his free-agent status, meaning negotiations would occur directly with the interested club rather than through a transfer deal.
A career defined by titles and enduring consistency
Busquets, affectionately known as Busi, leaves Barça with an extraordinary resume. He has contributed to 22 league titles with the Catalan giants and leaves the club after a remarkable accumulation of trophies, including eight league titles, three Champions Leagues, and three Club World Cups. His personal tally stands at 34 major trophies during his time with Barcelona. Beyond club football, Busquets is also recognized for his service to the national team, where he played 117 times and was part of Spain’s 2010 World Cup-winning squad in South Africa before stepping away from international duty in recent months.
The midfielder’s legacy at Barça extends beyond silverware. He is remembered for his intelligent reading of the game, composure on the ball, and the way he anchored a generation of attackers with his precise passing and defensive discipline. His departure marks the end of an era at Camp Nou, one that will be talked about for years as fans reflect on a midfielder whose influence stretched far beyond the final whistle of each match.