Sergio Busquets 'seriously considering signing new Barcelona deal'

Sergio Busquets is reportedly now 'seriously considering' signing a new contract at Barcelona.

The former Spain captain's deal at Camp Nou is due to expire next June, and there is currently a host of speculation surrounding his future with the Catalan outfit.

Inter Miami are said to lead the MLS interest in the midfielder, who allegedly made up his mind last year that he would be leaving Barcelona on a free transfer.

However, according to Mundo Deportivo, Busquets's situation has 'radically changed', with the experienced midfielder recently holding talks with the club's head coach Xavi.

The report claims that the Spaniard is now leaning towards penning a new deal at Barcelona, with Xavi telling him that he is still regarded as a key player despite entering the latter stages of his career.

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Busquets is said to be determined to play in the MLS before the end of his career, and he wants to make the move to North America for family reasons.

A recent report claimed that Barcelona could offer the midfielder a new short-term deal until December 2023.

Such an agreement would allow Busquets to undergo a pre-season with his new club before the start of the campaign in February, which is believed to appeal to all parties.

The Spaniard has again been an important player at club level during the 2022-23 campaign, making 16 appearances in all competitions, including 12 in La Liga.

The midfielder captained Spain at the 2022 World Cup, meanwhile, before announcing his retirement from international football after the competition.

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Busquets recently said that he would be looking to make a decision on his future "around February".

"It's my last year, I know a lot has been said, but I've always spoken in the same way. I have nothing signed from one side or the other. We'll see how it goes, but around February or so I would like to be clear and decide," he told El Larguero.

Busquets made his first-team debut for Barcelona in 2008, and he has featured on 696 occasions for the Catalan outfit in all competitions, contributing 18 goals and 42 assists.

The midfielder is expected to be in the starting XI when the La Liga leaders resume their domestic campaign against Espanyol in the Barcelona derby on December 31.