Sergio Busquets admission proves strength of David Beckham's Inter Miami project

When Sergio Busquets announced he would be leaving Barcelona at the end of the season, the rumour mill went into overdrive.

Like with many players in Europe's top five leagues, the defensive midfielder was heavily linked with a switch to Saudi Arabia. Cristiano Ronaldo's move to Al Nassr opened the floodgates and has since seen Karim Benzema, N'Golo Kante and Ruben Neves all join teams in the Middle East.

But then Lionel Messi confirmed he would be joining Inter Miami and the prospect of Busquets being able to link back up with his former Barcelona team-mate hinted at a Stateside move. Neither Messi nor Busquets have yet been officially confirmed by the Herons but both have been the subject of teaser videos from the MLS side's Twitter account meaning it is surely only a matter of time.

Once Messi and Busquets do join they will raise the profile of a team struggling at the foot of the MLS Eastern Conference. But Busquets' decision to move to Florida is far from a Messi-inspired decision given how much the Spaniard holds David Beckham in high regard.

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In an interview with Cadena Ser last December, the 34-year-old said: "I know it's the last year [of my contract], but I have always said that I have nothing signed with anyone. I have always said I would like to play in the United States, above all in Miami, but from there I have not reached any agreement with any club - in the US or in any other league. Barcelona will be the first to know. When I have made a decision, I will tell them."

Beckham looks to have granted Busquets' wish. The former Manchester United man has already outlined how he wants the club to bring through players from the local community in a