Sergio Busquets, Barcelona Agree on New Contract: Latest Details and Reaction

Barcelona midfielder Sergio Busquets has agreed to extend his contract at the Camp Nou and is set to remain with the reigning Primera Division champions until the summer of 2021.

The Spanish titans announced the news via the club's official website on Friday and confirmed that the deal includes a €200 million (£152.6 million) buyout clause:

The staggering value of Busquets' buyout fee shows just how highly the Blaugrana rate their holding midfielder, who made his first-team debut in September 2008, almost eight years ago.

The 27-year-old has since gone on to make a total of 384 appearances for the Catalan club, earning at least 40 appearances in each of his eight seasons with the first team to date.

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Sabadell-born Busquets is well on his way to becoming a Barcelona icon, having only appeared for Barca since moving to the Camp Nou from UFB Jabac Terrassa in 2005, aged 17.

The stalwart has established himself as one of La Liga's brightest, most consistent midfield forces since then, and Squawka highlighted his affinity for breaking up opposition play:

While the likes of Lionel Messi and Andres Iniesta are more responsible for what occurs in Barcelona's attack, Busquets has helped form a bedrock in the engine room for both Barcelona and Spain in recent years.

He has been omnipresent en route to his six Primera Division titles and three UEFA Champions League crowns, as well as the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012 triumphs. WhoScored.com highlighted the player as a key passing presence for manager Luis Enrique in the last two seasons and more:

Should he see out the remainder of his new five-year contact, Busquets will be approaching his 33rd birthday, at which many will question how long he can remain at the elite level.

The Mirror further emphasised the player's trophy cabinet and just how influential he's been for Barca in recent years, not to mention how important he'll continue to be in the years to come:

Of all the players currently in the Barcelona squad, only Dani Alves (391), Iniesta (587) and Messi (531) have made more first-team appearances for the club than Busquets.

By sealing the anchor's commitments for the next five seasons, Barca have tied down a vital cog in their setup, securing Busquets' loyalties for what promise to be the best years of his career.