Joan Laporta provides update on future of Sergio Busquets

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has confirmed that the club are preparing to offer Sergio Busquets a new contract at Camp Nou until the summer of 2024.

The 34-year-old's existing deal with the Catalan giants is due to expire at the end of the season, and there remains widespread speculation surrounding his future.

Busquets again been a vital player for Barcelona during the 2022-23 campaign, featuring on 31 occasions in all competitions, contributing two assists in the process.

MLS outfit Inter Miami are believed to be determined to sign the former Spain captain this summer, while a number of Saudi Arabian clubs are said to be monitoring the situation.

A recent report claimed that Busquets had informed Barcelona that he was planning to leave the club following the expiration of his contract.

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However, Laporta has seemingly denied that the midfielder has already made up his mind over an exit.

The club president has revealed that a new 12-month offer will be made "shortly", with Barcelona determined to keep hold of the Spaniard for at least another season.

"Busquets is important and I think Xavi wants him to stay for another year. We have not yet made an offer, but we will make one shortly so that he can continue for one more year. He has to value many aspects: family, country, other offers," Laporta told reporters.

Earlier this year, Laporta said that a meeting to discuss Busquets's future was held "before Christmas" due to the offers that had arrived from the MLS.

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"For now we are focused on La Liga. Sergio is an important player for us and it'll be difficult for our team's dynamics if he leaves," Laporta told reporters at the time.

"When he decides, we'll talk about it. Neither party considers that it's the moment. We had a meeting before Christmas because he had offers from the MLS."

Meanwhile, Xavi recently told reporters: "In the end, we all work together and the decision is his. We are waiting to see what he decides. He is a very important person inside and outside, he is the captain.

"He is part of everything and he has earned the right to decide his future. If he can continue, I'd be delighted."

Busquets has featured 20 times in La Liga this season, while he has also played 11 matches combined in the Champions League, Europa League, Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup.

The midfielder recently missed two matches with an ankle issue but has since featured against Almeria, Real Madrid and Valencia, playing the full 90 minutes of his team's last two matches.