Sergio Busquets 'will sign new Barcelona deal if Lionel Messi returns to club'

Sergio Busquets is reportedly planning his future at club level around close friend Lionel Messi.

The two players featured alongside each other at Barcelona between 2008 and 2021, winning a host of silverware, before their period as teammates came to an end when Messi left for Paris Saint-Germain.

Barcelona's financial problems led to them losing Messi on a free transfer in the summer of 2021, but the Argentina international is being tipped to return to Camp Nou this summer.

A recent report claimed that Xavi's side are emerging as the favourites to bring Messi back to the club, with the forward's contract at PSG due to expire at the end of June.

Busquets's future is also currently the subject of much speculation, with the experienced midfielder's contract with Xavi's team due to expire this summer.

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Both players have been heavily linked with MLS outfit Inter Miami, and according to Mundo Deportivo, the duo have discussed playing alongside each other in North America in the latter stages of their career.

However, the report claims that Messi's return to Barcelona this summer could prompt Busquets to sign a new deal with the La Liga leaders.

Messi and Busquets could therefore spend the 2023-24 campaign together at Camp Nou before moving to the MLS in the summer of 2024 to finish their careers.

Both players are also believed to have interest from Saudi Arabia, where they would command huge salaries due to the funds available.

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Messi, who helped Argentina win the World Cup towards the end of last year, has scored 18 goals and registered 17 assists in 32 appearances for PSG in all competitions during the 2022-23 campaign.

However, the club's exit in the last-16 stage of the Champions League is believed to have led to the forward deciding to seek pastures new at the end of the campaign.

Busquets remains a key player for Barcelona, meanwhile, making 33 appearances for Xavi's side during the 2022-23 campaign, contributing three assists in the process.

The 34-year-old retired from international duty following the World Cup in a bid to prolong his playing career, and Barcelona boss Xavi and president Joan Laporta are both keen for him to remain at the club.

Any deal for Messi this summer would be complicated, though, due to Barcelona's ongoing financial issues, but the absence of a transfer fee would place them in a position to potentially agree a move.