Sergio Busquets is to joinInterMiami on a freetransfer, reuniting with former FCBarcelonaLionel Messi.
Inter Miami teased the signing of the midfielder in a post on social media aftersources close to 90min previously confirmedthe two parties had agreed personal terms.
Busquets’ arrival in Miami is a significant coup as they had to fight off competition from Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr, who have Cristiano Ronaldo on their roster and have huge financial backing from the Public Investment Fund (PIF).
“I’m not going to deny [it and say] there isn’t truth in the speculation that we’re interested inLionel MessiandSergio Busquets,” former head coach Phil Neville confirmed in March.
Messi confirmed he would be joiningInterMiami in an interview on June 7, with Busquets’ arrival now confirmed just over two weeks later. It will be the first time the pair have played together outside ofBarcelona, whom they represented together for 13 years, winning several domestic and European trophies.
35-year-old Messi will remain the biggest acquisition inMajor League Soccerhistory, owing to a record-breaking contract offer that received backing from the league’s largest commercial partners, Apple and adidas – Ԁєɑłs90min ɾєρօɾτed onprior to his announcement.
Barcelonaand cash-rich Al Hilal had attempted to sign Messi ahead ofInterMiami, but the former was unable to provide the kind of guarantees Messi was looking for despite his strong affiliation with the club.
Inter Miami’s offer will not only pocket Messi between $50m and $60m-a-year over time but will also give him an ownership stake in the club, while no details have yet been provided on Busquets’ agreement.90minunderstands, however, that the 34-year-old will join on a Designated Player contract.
