Veteran defender Marquez set for Barcelona exit, move to MLS imminent?

As expected, defender Rafael Marquez is on the verge of leaving Barcelona after seven seasons at the club.

Recently, the Mexico international has been linked with a move to Major League Soccer and the New York Red Bulls, and according to new Barcelona sporting director Andoni Zuzibarreta, only a few loose ends need to be tied up to seal the 31-year-old’s exit from Barca.

Marquez arrived at Barcelona from AS Monaco in a 5m deal in 2003. In his seven seasons at the club, Marquez made 240 appearances, scored 12 goals, and played a key role in Barca collecting 12 trophies in that time, including four La Liga crowns and two Champions League titles.

Marquez has 94 caps for Mexico, and at the World Cup, he netted the equalizer in a 1-1 draw against South Africa in the tournament opener.

If, as has been mooted, he joins the Red Bulls, he’ll become the club’s second marquee signing of the summer following the recent arrival of former Barcelona teammate Thierry Henry.

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