Busquets confirms that Barcelona have signed Kessie
Martin Macdonald
- 31 Mar 2022 13:22 BST
- 3 min read
Barcelona midfielder Sergio Busquets has confirmed the arrival of Franck Kessie on a free transfer from Milan this summer.
Over the last 12 months, the Blaugrana have largely been shopping in the free agent market due to their financial situation, with the exception of big-money January signing Ferran Torres.
Sergio Aguero, Memphis Depay and Eric Garcia all arrived for free last summer, while Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang joined for nothing in January.
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Barcelona are expected to continue this tactic at the conclusion of the current campaign, and have been linked with free agents like Andreas Christensen, Antonio Rudiger, Cesar Azpilicueta and Paulo Dybala as well as Kessie recently.
Club president Joan Laporta confirmed two acquisitions, telling RAC1: “We have signed a midfielder and a defender.”
It is believed these players are Christensen and Kessie.
Busquets, when asked about the latter, seemed optimistic about linking up with the Ivorian.
"He must fit the coach, who is the one who has seen him and has signed him," Busquets explained to Rac 1.
"Me, happy that he can be signed and people want to come to add and give another profile to the team.
"I have seen Kessie play, he is a physically very strong player, he loses few balls, he has a great body, he holds the ball very well and has a very good start. I'm sure he will help us."
Busquets misses Lionel Messi
Last summer, Barca's financial situation meant that they were unable to retain the services of Lionel Messi, due to new salary sanctions imposed by La Liga.
It took a while, but the club finally looks to be recovering from the Argentine's departure, but Busquets concedes that he misses his friend on and off the pitch.
"Yes. In the field and outside," the Spaniard replied when asked if he missed Messi.
"He gave us a lot. We enjoyed a lot. What he did I have not seen in any other player. He made a brutal difference. It's normal for him to miss him.
"He must miss us too. It was a shock that he left, for us and for him. Now I'm sure he's better. He continues to be the best and he is the best.
"Him come back? I would like him to, but he has a contract with another team. It is very difficult."
