Times are changing fast at Barcelona, and even before the team can celebrate an almost certain La Liga title, the club has already been forced to plan their next season without two of their most relevant players in the last ten years.
The club had reportedly been interested in keeping at least one of them around, but given their complicated financial situation, the club will be forced to let those footballers seek for pastures new despite the massive legacy they will leave behind. The players in question are Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.
The holding midfielder is set to announce his decision tomorrow in a press conference, moments after revealing his decision to the team. Sources close to the player state that coach Xavi Hernández is already aware of what the player will do, since the pair went on holiday with their wives this past weekend, when La Liga was brought to a halt to give way for the Copa del Rey final.
Meanwhile, Jordi Alba is set to put an end to his stay with the club with the Blaugrana outfit letting him leave on a free transfer. Alba is still under contract until the end of the 2023-24 season, but his lack of playing time could be key in his decision. The Spaniard was reluctant to leave the club in past weeks, but recent developments and offers from other countries may be behind his change of heart.
These exits will suit Barcelona just fine, as the club will benefit from not having to pay their massive wages. Busquets had already agreed to have his salary reduced, but Alba's wages were still quite high. With that in mind, the club would agree to let the player leave with no questions asked so they can get rid of their salary commitment with the defender.
In what could be a surprising turn of events, these players could team up once more in coming months, as both of them have been linked with a move to Al Hilal. As a cherry on top, they could also see Messi joining them there, but only time will tell if any of these footballers end up making the trip to Saudi Arabia.
