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Sergio Busquets, the club captain for Barcelona, has announced that he will depart the Nou Camp at the conclusion of the 2022–2023 season.
He is now anticipated to move to Saudi Arabia and join Al Hilal, sparking rumors that Lionel Messi may do the same this summer.
Busquets' current contract expires at the end of the current campaign. Barcelona had offered him a new one, but accepting it would have required him to accept a pay cut of 70%.
The veteran midfielder is getting ready to end a successful run at his childhood club, the Blaugrana said on Wednesday.
"Everything must come to an end," Busquets said to club channels. "It has been an honor, a draw, and a source of pride to have been allowed to wear this badge.
"The choice wasn't simple, but this is the right moment. I'd like to thank all of my friends, family, [club] members, and supporters who have come along with me on this journey."
The fact that Busquet chose to leave Barça less than a day after Messi's father Jorge was forced to reject a rumor that his son had already signed with Al Hilal suggests that the two players may reunite in Saudi Arabia this summer.
The offer for Busquets to join the club is approximately €15 million (£13 million) per season tax-free.
Jordi Alba's contract with Barcelona expires in 2024, and Al Hilal are also interested in signing him.
How good was Busquets in his playing days?
With 719 first team appearances for the club overall, Busquets is third all-time behind Lionel Messi and Xavi. He won accolades on the international stage as a key member of the Spain team that won the 2010 World Cup and the 2012 Euro Championship.
Busquets was one of the best midfielders of his time after playing for club and country alongside Andrés Iniesta and current Barça manager Xavi.
