“SSFC v FCB” (CC BY-NC 2.0) by Mikey loves Barcelona
Major League Soccer is used to welcoming some of the stars of the game as they reach the veteran stages of their careers. Some will struggle to replicate their former glories but others, such as Zlatan Ibrahamovic, David Villa and Robbie Keane, have plenty left to offer.
Those three players were important strikers for their respective clubs but, it’s now being reported that two of soccer’s top defenders could be heading to MLS. Both are currently employed by Barcelona where they’ve won everything possible in the game.
Names in the Frame
The two men in question are Sergio Busquets and Gerard Pique. Both are highly experienced defenders with impressive CVs. The rumors of a departure seem to have originated with Busquets who, according to reports, has told club President Joan Laporte that he will not be renewing his contract when it expires at the end of the 2022/23 Spanish season.
Those stories led to more conjecture over the future of Gerard Pique. Both players, it seems, are looking at moving to MLS for the next stages of their careers.
Focus on Barcelona
Any move to Major League Soccer may have to wait until the end of the Spanish domestic season. Fans in the US could have to wait until next term before deals are struck as both Sergio Busquets and Gerard Pique have much to focus on for Barcelona.
There’s plenty to play for: Barca have made a positive start to the domestic league campaign and are hot on the heels of leaders Real Madrid at the top of the La Liga table.
Barcelona are behind Real in the markets, according to the best football betting sites in India and beyond, so they will need to hang on to their best players if they are to maintain a challenge.
It’s very early days in the league campaign and those odds have the scope to fluctuate. The figures are supplied by Asiabet and, as soon as any updates come in, they will be reflected on the website.
There will be time to assess the pricing while taking into account any breaking news stories and opinion pieces relating to transfers. Useful betting guides and sportsbook reviews are supplied and, it’s also possible to stake in those football markets.
Any betting operator on Asiabet’s recommended list will accept new customers who qualify under eligibility rules. Subject to completing a secure registration process, many will also publish a welcome promotion.
A set of deposit methods can help to cover qualifying bets while customer services can iron out any queries. Anyone looking to play on a longer term basis can take advantage of other benefits.
The majority of sportsbooks list ongoing bonuses while there should certainly be the option to enjoy other sports while betting via a mobile app.
It’s a logical site from which to follow soccer from a betting perspective but can Barca hang on to those two defensive stars?
Where Could They Be Heading?
Players of this quality would attract interest within any MLS franchise. It’s just a question of who can accommodate more overseas signings in their roster and who could afford the wages in question.
Inter Miami should certainly be tempted to make a move. Owner David Beckham began his pro career at Manchester United where Pique briefly played between 2004 and 2008. Inter have already spent on big international stars such as Argentina’s Gonzalo Higuain and the two Barcelona men should attract their interest.
LAFC made a big impression with the signing of Gareth Bale in 2022 and are another club looking to chase big-name stars. Reigning MLS Cup holders New York City FC are another franchise looking to strengthen their roster moving forward.
It seems to be a question of when, not if, Sergio Busquets and Gerard Pique will leave the Nou Camp. Barcelona now have to face a dilemma of whether to sell the players in the January transfer window or risk seeing them leave for free next summer.
If they are made available, plenty of MLS sides will be interested. They are both world class players who would slot into any defense while boosting their new team’s chances of claiming major silverware in North America.
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