Barcelona head coach Xavi has detailed the importance of his club bringing in the right player this summer to replace legendary midfielder Sergio Busquets.
The Catalan outfit will be losing Busquets on a free transfer at the end of June, with the 34-year-old moving on after 15 years in the first team at Camp Nou.
Barcelona will enter the transfer market for a replacement this summer, with Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi and Fiorentina's Sofyan Amrabat among those linked with moves to the club.
Xavi has said that his club "need a top signing" in the upcoming market due to Busquets's contribution to the cause since 2008.
"This year a new stage has already begun. I don't have the feeling of a generational change," Xavi told reporters during his press conference on Saturday afternoon.
"It has been a natural evolution. With [Alejandro] Balde, Jordi Alba has played less and without Busquets, we need a top signing in this market. Those who have been important this season will continue to be.
"Whoever is more complete, whoever is the best pivot to replace Busquets. We depend on 'fair play' and the economic situation. The profile must be a very determined player, who wins duels and is intelligent. The natural substitute for Busi.
"You have to find that piece. If we want to compete well next year, it's essential. Busi has been fundamental to getting the Super Cup and La Liga. We have to find a very important player to replace Busquets."
Busquets will officially say goodbye to the Camp Nou crowd in Sunday's La Liga clash with Mallorca, where Barcelona will be aiming to bounce back from successive losses to Real Sociedad and Real Valladolid.
Alba will also be leaving Barcelona this summer on a free transfer, and Xavi has said that it was the defender's decision to terminate his contract.
"Jordi's thing was his decision. He was the one who took the step, he thinks it's time. I'm not going to reveal the whole conversation. He's been very positive and I'll stick with that," added the head coach.
Barcelona will again be without Ronald Araujo and Pedri for Saturday's clash with Mallorca through injury.
However, Jules Kounde has overcome a minor muscular issue to make himself available once again, with the defender returning to the squad. body check tags ::
