Sergio Busquets renews contract with Barcelona until June 2019

Barcelona midfielder Sergio Busquets has renewed his contract and will remain at the club until June 2019, with an additional year as an option. An official announcement is expected in the coming days.

The deal was completed earlier today, and part of the agreement allows the player to control his image rights which will propel him into the same salary bracket as Lionel Messi, Neymar, Xavi and Iniesta.

Busquets had been a reported transfer target of a number of big European clubs. But in the past, the 26-year-old Spaniard has professed that his intention was always to remain with the club he joined as a youth player in 2005. The midfielder – who has made over 200 appearances for La Blaugrana – has reiterated his gratefulness to Barcelona and its supporters for the loyalty and appreciation they have shown him over the years.

With Barcelona unable to bring in players – due to the club’s FIFA-imposed transfer ban – Busquets renewal will come as pleasant news around the Camp Nou.

Since debuting for the first-team in 2008, Busquets has helped the Catalan club to numerous domestic and European titles, including: four La Liga titles, three Copa del Reys, four Spanish Super Cups, two UEFA Super Cups, two FIFA Club World Cups and two Champions League titles.

The Spain international was also a member of the national squad which won the 2010 FIFA World Cup and EURO 2012. He has made 74 appearances for La Rojo since being named to the team in 2008.

Programming note: Barcelona vs. Malaga will be shown LIVE on Saturday starting at 9:55am EST on beINSPORTS and DishWorld.