Barcelona boss Xavi Hernandez has stated that he wants to bring in a new holding midfielder following the announcement of the imminent departure of captain Sergio Busquets.

In his pre-match press conference before Barca’s match against Real Sociedad tomorrow, Xavi stated: “We must sign a pivot this summer, it’s a priority to have a new player there following Busquets’ exit”.

Xavi sends clear message for Barcelona next signings: “We must sign a pivot this summer, it’s a priority to have new player there following Busquets’ exit”. 🚨🔵🔴 #FCB pic.twitter.com/T166YGQWYG

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 19, 2023

Barca boss Xavi still not happy with squad depth despite league title

And the former Barcelona midfielder, who played alongside Busquets during his decorated time with the Catalan giants, has been linked with replacing his long-serving captain with one of tomorrow’s opponents, Martin Zubimendi.

According to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Xavi was not coy about his admiration for La Real’s pivot, saying “He understands the game very well, he dominates with and without the ball. Zubimendi plays the kind of football that we like here at Barça, it’s our style”.