Manchester United’s promising young midfielder, Kobbie Mainoo, has shared that he looks to former Barcelona legend Sergio Busquets as a source of inspiration for developing his football craft.

The 19-year-old has made an impressive impact at Old Trafford during his breakthrough season in 2023/24, scoring five goals in 33 appearances. Alongside United talents Rasmus Hojlund and Alejandro Garnacho, Mainoo has even been likened to the iconic Cristiano Ronaldo after replicating one of the Portuguese star’s famous goal celebrations, stirring excitement among fans.

Mainoo’s standout performances highlight his potential in a team that has struggled for consistency in recent years.

Reflecting on the players who have influenced his style, Mainoo told *GQ*, “I like to watch [Sergio] Busquets, the way he used to turn. Players like [Clarence] Seedorf, [Luka] Modric. Players like Yaya Toure – I like the way he used to play.”

Discussing his approach on the field, Mainoo added, “I see a guy here, then I’ll turn this way. Or if I don’t have to do that, I can just bounce out. I don’t think, like, I’m gonna turn here… it’s more that if the defender gives me an option, then I’m gonna take it.”

Busquets, a product of Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy, became a pillar of the team, accumulating 722 appearances before moving to Inter Miami. Watching the Spanish great has impacted Mainoo’s game, helping him refine the balance between decision-making and natural skill.

Reflecting on his journey at United, Mainoo also expressed what it means to be part of the club’s proud tradition of nurturing young talent: “I feel like at United it’s very much in the history that they play young players, going all the way back to the Busby Babes. There’s big writing up on the wall [at Carrington] saying, ‘If they’re good enough, they’re old enough.'”

Currently sidelined due to injury, Mainoo last featured for United in October against Aston Villa. His return to the squad is eagerly awaited as he looks to continue his promising trajectory and make a lasting mark on the pitch.

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Inter Miami has officially announced the squad numbers for the upcoming 2024 MLS season, assigning jerseys to notable players such as Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez.

Following their historic Leagues Cup victory in 2023, just weeks after Messi, an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, joined the team in a sensational move to the United States, Inter Miami is poised to pursue further major silverware in the upcoming campaign.

Before competitive matches kick off, Inter Miami has a series of friendly encounters, including the club’s inaugural international tour and high-profile matches against teams like Vissel Kobe, Newell’s Old Boys, and Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr.

The club has disclosed the players’ jersey numbers for these games on its official website. Notably, Messi retains his iconic No.10 shirt, while newcomer Suarez will be sporting No.9. Additionally, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba will continue with No.5 and No.18, respectively, and USMNT star Julian Gressel will don No.24.

Inter Miami’s first pre-season match in 2024, featuring Messi in their traveling squad, is scheduled against El Salvador on Friday. Subsequently, they will face domestic rivals FC Dallas on Monday before embarking on a tour that includes stops in Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong, and Japan.

The tour concludes with a match against Newell’s on home turf, leading up to the commencement of the new MLS season on February 21.

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Inter Miami’s pursuit of Luis Suarez, aiming to reunite the Gremio striker with former Barcelona teammates Lionel Messi, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets in the MLS, may come to fruition before 2024.

According to El Pais, a deal could be finalized in December, marking a potential reunion of the talented players.

Suarez, who is 36 years old, confirmed that the MLS side had been in contact with his club in Porto Alegre earlier this year. Emails have been exchanged between Miami and Gremio to discuss a one-year deal for Suarez with an option to extend, as per the latest report.

Suarez is set to visit Miami in December to discuss contractual details with the club. In preparation for his potential arrival, the Herons have already released star forward Josef Martinez.

Luis Suarez has agreed to join Inter Miami in 2024! ✅

The deal will be closed in December when he is scheduled to make a trip to Miami. 🇺🇸

(El Pais)

THE REUNION IS ON! 🇦🇷🐐🇺🇾 pic.twitter.com/gDvOtU2cck

— Footy Accumulators (@FootyAccums) November 1, 2023

Despite dealing with knee complications, Suarez has been finding success in Brazil. He joined Gremio in December 2022 and has scored 17 goals in 37 appearances, showcasing his enduring quality as a striker.

‘Many things can happen until the end of the year,’ Gremio president Alberto Guerra said of Suarez’s situation.

‘We are very focused on the search for classification (a la Libertadores). At the right time, if the opportunity arises (to negotiate with Suárez), we will talk.

‘Of course we want him to stay, but specifically the latest update is that he will leave at the end of the year.’

Although his time with Gremio is looking to be short-lived, Suarez expressed his gratitude towards the club and it’s fans.

‘I committed to the club to try to play as many games as I can,’ Suarez said ‘It is my way of thanking them for their effort. There were days of training after the games when Renato told me not to go to train, to rest, and I went because the commitment to the club is 100 percent.’

Luis Suarez made a significant impact during his time at Barcelona, where he scored an impressive 198 goals between 2014 and 2020. One year after joining the club from Liverpool, Suarez played a pivotal role in Barcelona’s historic five-trophy season in 2015, leaving a lasting legacy at the club.

Inter Miami’s signing of Lionel Messi in a record-breaking deal in 2023 paved the way for potential reunions with Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets. While Inter Miami narrowly missed the MLS Playoffs, Messi’s arrival helped the team secure the League Cup and reach the US Open Cup final, marking a successful debut season for the Argentine superstar in MLS.

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Inter Miami have confirmed the signing of ex-Barcelona player Jordi Alba, reuniting him with Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets in Major League Soccer.

Following quickly on the heels of the agreements to capture Messi and Busquets, Inter has confirmed the signing of Alba. Although the team has the option to extend his contract for an additional year, he has signed a one-season deal.

Since Andres Iniesta is reportedly being courted by Miami to play in Major League Soccer, Alba might not be the only ex-Barcelona player to go.

JOR𝐒Í pic.twitter.com/SumFvFTiEO

— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) July 20, 2023

Alba won the Champions League and La Liga six times while playing for Barcelona between 2012 and 2023, cementing his place in club history. He and Spain also won the 2012 Euros.

Alba will hope to be involved with Inter Miami’s pre-season

Sporting director Chris Henderson said: “Jordi is an accomplished, dynamic and experienced player that we’re excited to acquire to continue bolstering our squad. He has proven for over a decade that he is one of the best fullbacks in the sport due to both his defensive solidity and capacity to contribute in the attack. We know that he’ll help Inter Miami achieve the Club’s objectives this season and beyond.”

Oficial✍️🇪🇸Bienvenido @JordiAlba

We have signed Spanish international defender Jordi Alba to a contract through the 2024 season. Find out all the details:https://t.co/43s7DbZ528https://t.co/dj2lmpulM2 pic.twitter.com/DkVnMRT35n

— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) July 20, 2023

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Inter Miami have announced the signing of Sergio Busquets, as the ex-Barcelona star is poised to link up with former team-mate Lionel Messi.

The MLS squad, which already boasts Lionel Messi, a former teammate of Busquets‘ from Barcelona, added even more star power to its lineup when the 34-year-old was signed as a free agent.

According to Fabrizio Romano, the midfielder turned down offers from Saudi Arabian teams in favor of joining David Beckham’s team to gain MLS experience as his contract with Barcelona is slated to end the following week.

Inter Miami previewed the midfield maestro’s signing with a video clip posted on social media. The short featured praise for the Spaniard from Pep Guardiola, Xavi Hernandez, and Luka Modric against a musical accompaniment in the team’s distinctive Black and pink colors.

It dramatically panned out to reveal Busquets’s nickname, “Busi,” in a spray-painted graffiti style, which served as the final confirmation of the deal.

pic.twitter.com/Mil6KD4l7M

— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) June 23, 2023

From the time he made his Blaugrana first team debut in 2008 until the Argentine said his tearful goodbyes to join Paris Saint-Germain in 2021, the former Spain international played with Messi at the Nou Camp.

The two reportedly made an agreement that they would play at least one season together before they retired, contributing to Barcelona’s trophy collection. That promise will soon be kept in South Beach.

A third former Barcelona player might join them; Inter Miami is rumored to be interested in Jordi Alba.

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Gavi’s youth contract was set to end this summer, and he and Barcelona reached a long-term extension last September. However, the deal wasn’t recognized because of the club’s financial difficulties, which prevented them from raising players’ salaries without first lowering them.

Inconveniently, other clubs from across Europe kept a careful eye on the situation as Gavi technically drew closer to the conclusion of his contract, just in case Barcelona couldn’t come to an agreement with the midfielder.

But now that La Liga has officially validated Gavi’s registration as a first-team player, the ordeal is finally ended.

The 18-year-old’s contract now has a €1 billion release clause and extends until the summer of 2026.

Following the signing of his agreement, Gavi briefly wore the number six jersey for the season. The teenager was forced to switch back to his old number, 30 after La Liga determined that he could not be registered as a first-team player.

For manager Xavi, who mainly relied on Gavi last season, the uncertainty being resolved will be a huge comfort. The youthful midfielder made 49 games across all leagues, including 30 starts in La Liga, and contributed three goals and seven assists in the process.

Barcelona is still determined to reduce salaries this summer. Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba’s departures will definitely have been beneficial, but the Blaugrana are still anticipated to sell a few players to further their cause.

It was intended to utilize a significant portion of any additional income to re-sign Lionel Messi, but as a formal offer couldn’t be made in time, the Argentine chose to join Inter Miami instead.

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After 11 trophy-filled years at Barcelona, Jordi Alba has announced that he will be leaving Camp Nou.

In 2012, the 34-year-old Valencia native signed from there and went on to establish himself as one of the top left-backs of his time. During his stay at Catalunya, he celebrated six La Liga championships, five Copa del Reys, and a Champions League trophy among others.

However, Alba’s time at Barca has come to an end after losing his spot to 19-year-old Alejandro Balde this season, signalling a generational shift to one of the most illustrious teams in the world this summer.

In a video posted to his social media platforms, he announced his choice while reflecting on his illustrious time with the club.

💙❤️ GRÀCIES 💙❤️ GRACIAS 💙❤️ THANK YOU 💙❤️ pic.twitter.com/2pARAdY02j

— Jordi Alba (@JordiAlba) May 24, 2023

Barca have also released an official statement bidding farewell to Alba, which reads: “FC Barcelona and Jordi Alba have reached an agreement to terminate the player’s contract with the club one year earlier than it was due to expire at the end of the 2023/24 season. FC Barcelona would like to publicly express its gratitude to Alba for his professionalism, commitment and dedication, and his ever-positive and friendly relationship with all members of the Barca family, and wishes him every fortune in the future. Barça will always be a home for you, Jordi.”

FC Barcelona and Jordi Alba have reached an agreement to terminate the latter's contract binding him to the club until the end of the 2023/24 season

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) May 24, 2023

Alba follows midfield the foundation Sergio Busquets out of Camp Nou’s exit doors; Busquets announced his resignation earlier this month.

Busquets‘ contract expired at the end of the season, while Alba’s was still active and had one year left on it. According to Relevo writer Toni Juanmarti, the full-back forfeited a substantial portion of his income by leaving this summer since it was due to him in deferred payments.

Although Saudi Arabia has been mentioned as a possible destination for the Spaniard to spend the upcoming season, there has also been talk of a surprise transfer to Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid.

For the time being, though, preparations will be made for a last farewell for both Alba and Busquets at Camp Nou, when Barca hosts Mallorca in a league match on Sunday.

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Following the captain’s announcement that he would leave Barcelona at the end of the season, Lionel Messi has sent a message to Sergio Busquets.

The two players played together for well over ten years in Barcelona’s first squad, taking home every trophy available for the Catalan powerhouse.

On Wednesday, Sergio Busquets announced that he has decided to leave Barcelona at the end of the season, once his current contract expires. It brings to an end an incredible 18-year association with the club.

One of the finest players to have progressed through the ranks at Barcelona is Busquets, and Lionel Messi has used the occasion to honour his friend and former teammate.

Messi expressed his gratitude for Busquets’ efforts at Barcelona in a post on Instagram.

He wrote: “On the pitch always with the 5 but in reality, as a player and as a person, you are a 10, Busi.

I wish you the best in your new stage and in everything, both you and your family.

Thank you for the on and off the pitch, there were so many moments we spent together, many good and some also complicated. They will remain forever!”

See the post below:

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Leo Messi (@leomessi)

Busquets‘ contract extension at Barcelona was said to be contingent on Messi returning to the team this summer. However, it appears that the former has made the decision to move forward without waiting to see if that happens.

Messi may still sign with Barcelona this summer, but if he does, Busquets won’t be his teammate.

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Barcelona have confirmed club captain Sergio Busquets will leave at the end of the 2022/23 season.

Busquets has remained one of Barça’s most reliable players at the age of 34, and this weekend against city rivals Espanyol, they have a chance to win their first La Liga title.

Busquets will leave the club this summer, Barcelona said on Wednesday morning, thus this title will be his final for the organization.

“It has been an honour, a draw and a source of pride to have been able to wear this badge but everything must come to an end,” Busquets told club channels.

“It hasn’t been an easy decision but the time has come. Thank you to all those people who have accompanied me on this journey, as well as [club] members and fans.”

🥺 A Barça legend says goodbye. #5ergioUnic pic.twitter.com/SWlDN2GtA2

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) May 10, 2023

Although Inter Miami of Major League Soccer is reportedly interested in signing Busquets to a hefty contract, it seems more probable that he will sign with a team in Saudi Arabia.

Only former colleagues Lionel Messi and Xavi have more appearances for Barcelona (719) than Busquets.

If Barça wins La Liga, he would have amassed an incredible 32 major victories for his old team.

Busquets‘ final match at Camp Nou will be against Mallorca on May 28. On June 4, he will play his final match for Barcelona away at Celta Vigo.

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After Barcelona’s razor-thin 1-0 victory against Athletic Club on Sunday night, manager Xavi insisted that his team needed to be more clinical in front of the goal.

Raphinha’s goal in stoppage time of the first half proved to be the deciding factor between the two teams; Athletic had an Iker Muniain goal disallowed for handball. The outcome kept Barcelona nine points ahead of Real Madrid in La Liga.

That was Barcelona’s ninth 1-0 victory of the season, and despite leaving San Mames with all three points, Xavi urged his team to show more clinical edge. Barcelona has only given up eight goals in 25 league games.

“We have been at a good level for 75 minutes although we have to attack better. It was a difficult course and in San Mamés you end up suffering,” the Spaniard said.

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“It is a golden victory for us and we take three very important points. But we have to get better at the game. We have had two or three clear chances in the second half: from Ansu, from Balde for not choosing well, from Lewandowski with a header.

“We have to improve in that aspect, be calmer and more patient and play more in the opposite field. Defensive solvency must also be valued, but it is true that we have to improve in the opposite field.”

Xavi said that Sergio Busquets is still “providing a lot” to Barcelona and that his performance level has been one of the season’s “surprises” in hopes that the veteran midfielder will continue to play at Camp Nou.

After recently defeating Carlo Ancelotti’s team 1-0 at home in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semifinal, Xavi’s Barcelona team has home advantage and bragging rights in what might be the title-deciding Clasico.

The second leg will be played on April 5, with the winner facing either Athletic Club or Osasuna in the title game.

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According to Barcelona president Joan Laporta, the team intends to shed an additional €70 million in salaries during the summer transfer window.

The Blaugrana’s financial struggled are well-documented, with their high wages seeing them fall foul of La Liga’s salary cap rules on a number of occasions in the past.

They were blocked from making any permanent signings during the January transfer window and face a battle to free up enough money to put their ambitious plans into action once the end of the season arrives.

“It is difficult for us to register players due to the salary limit and the regulations,” Laporta admitted. “La Liga sets limits based on clubs’ accounts, and in the case of Barcelona, we inherited a limit exceeded by millions and millions.

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“There are contracts that were increased, it was exceeded by between €300m and €350m. A titanic effort has been made. As of today, we have reduced it by €100m and we hope to reach €175m in the summer, while also keeping a competitive team. The levers helped that.

“As we continue with a salary that exceeds the limit, it costs the club and La Liga sets more restrictive regulations. With these regulations and the levers, we have registered players with a titanic effort, but La Liga has been changing the regulations so that we cannot do these operations. Every time we overcome an obstacle, La Liga changes the norm for us.”

It’s unclear exactly how Barcelona will reduce that pay. Regarding contracts that are about to expire, experienced midfielder Sergio Busquets must be decided upon, while Sergi Roberto is reportedly close to signing an extension.

Selling players is an obvious option for Barcelona, whose squad is full of talents being eyed up by teams across Europe.

Manchester United are keen on midfielder Frenkie de Jong and have been linked with winger Ansu Fati as well, while the likes of Eric Garcia, Jordi Alba, Franck Kessie, Ferran Torres and Raphinha have all been touted as potential sales.

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