Sergio Busquets Nearly Joined Manchester City

According to reports, Sergio Busquets was close to signing with Manchester City this season. Pep Guardiola allegedly reached out to the Spanish midfielder in an attempt to bring him to the Etihad Stadium.

Following Rodri’s long-term injury, Guardiola found himself searching for a suitable replacement. Unable to find an adequate substitute within his current squad and facing difficulties in the transfer market, the City manager reportedly turned to a player he knew well from his time at Barcelona.

Busquets, who has frequently been praised by Guardiola, was initially receptive to the idea of returning to elite European football. However, after further consideration, the midfielder ultimately declined the offer, choosing to remain with Inter Miami alongside former Barcelona teammates Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, and Jordi Alba.

The Spanish sports program ‘La Posesión’ reported: “As we mentioned in our last episode, the Manchester City manager personally called Sergio Busquets shortly after Rodri’s injury to discuss a potential move. Busquets, who has been playing for Inter Miami since July 2023, initially agreed to join his former Barcelona coach. However, he later changed his mind, opting to continue playing alongside Messi, Suárez, and Alba in the MLS.”

This near-transfer highlights the continued respect Guardiola holds for Busquets and demonstrates the midfielder’s commitment to his current project in Miami. It also underscores the challenges top European clubs face when seeking high-caliber replacements for injured players mid-season.