Barcelona executives have travelled to Qatar today to try and negotiate the transfer of Xavi as the new manager. The 41-year-old is currently in charge of Al-Sadd, and is focused on their upcoming game. Barcelona sporting director Mateu Alemany is among the officials that have travelled abroad.
Xavi currently has a contract with Al Sadd that runs two more years. He has a release clause worth £840,000, which Barcelona are reportedly trying to avoid paying. According to some reports, the manager has a gentleman’s agreement with the Al Sadd board to let him leave for free.
However, it seems like that option will not be available for Barcelona to avail. The Blaugrana are confident that they will land Xavi as their next manager. In fact, the confirmation is expected very soon, before the international break.
But despite their confidence, they do not have an agreement in place with Al Sadd. The Barcelona officials will have to discuss Xavi’s situation in depth to prise him away from his current project. The former midfielder has an agreement in principle with Barcelona to take up the job. He will also take an initial pay cut when he begins.
Sergi Barjuan is currently in charge of the first team, temporarily. The Barcelona B coach earned his first victory against Dynamo Kyiv in the Champions League. He is also expected to be in charge of the team this weekend. After that, fans can possibly expect to hear an announcement regarding Xavi’s return to Camp Nou.
