Sergio Busquets is regarded as one of the most legendary midfielders in soccer history, with the Inter Maimi no. 5 enjoying one of the best careers in the history of the game.
One of the most important players in Spain’s era of international dominance as well as FC Barcelona’s iconic team under Pep Guardiola playing alongside Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba, both of which are now with Busquets at Inter Miami.
With new teammate Fafa Picault recently sharing his admiration for Busquets, the veteran Spanish midfielder’s influence on the game is only rivaled by a handful of players, some of which are now with him in Florida with the Chase Stadium side.
Indeed, Javier Mascherano has already said Busquets will be key for Inter Miami next season, yet things could have been much different had the midfielder taken a different path after an astonishing request from Guardiola a few months ago.
Busquets rejected Manchester City transfer after Guardiola phone call
According to Sport, Busquets rejected the chance to sign for reigning Premier League champions Manchester City after a phone call from Guardiola, with the former Barcelona man wanting the Inter Miami star to replace Rodri.
The reigning Ballon d’Or holder tore his ACL at the start of this Premier League season with City’s form since falling off a cliff, with the Manchester giants sat fourth in the standings and looking unlikely to win their fifth title-in-a-row.
As a result, Guardiola approached Busquets to replace Rodri in the short-term, and although the veteran midfielder initially agreed to the move, the Inter Miami star ultimately decided to stay in Florida with Messi and friends.
Given the size of City and the opportunities moving to the Manchester giants would have presented for Busquets, the midfielder rejecting a move to the Premier League speaks volume about how invested the 36-year-old is with Inter Miami, who heading into 2025 could be about to have their biggest year yet.
READ MORE: Get to know Sergio Busquets, the Inter Miami star who helped reshape soccer
Who could have Inter Miami replaced Busquets with had he left?
Busquets leaving Inter Miami now seems unlikely with the midfielder already rejecting a move to one of the biggest teams in the world in City having been approached by arguably the greatest Barcelona manager of all-time in Guardiola.
Yet had Busquets left Florida, Inter Miami might not be in as bad a position as one might think, with Yannick Bright replacing the former Spain international last season in the defensive midfield position under Tata Martino.
With Federico Redondo also compared to Busquets, Inter Miami already have two readymade players who can come in and replace the former Barcelona star if needed, yet Mascherano and fans will be glad to see the midfielder still win the squad heading into the 2025 season.