Barca chief Laporta considers Balde renewal a done deal and Busquets departure a possibility

The renewal of full-back Alejandro Balde, who completes his contract with Barcelona on 30th June 2024, has been "practically agreed", Catalan club president Joan Laporta told a press conference on Thursday.

In fact, the head of the club revealed that "we are working" not only on Balde's new contract, but also "on the renewal of Sergi Roberto and the registration (of the new contract) of Ronald Araujo".

However, Laporta assured that the club have not yet held a meeting with Sergio Busquets to discuss the possible renewal of the captain's contract, which expires on 30th June.

"Busquets had proposals from the American MLS and he has never hidden the fact that he would like to try the American experience one day. He could have left this winter, but luckily he has decided he wants to finish this season. He is a tireless player and, if at the end of the season he feels he has the strength and is still a useful player, we will talk about it. Both parties have considered that it is not yet the right time," explained Laporta.