Xavi’s €5m Al Sadd release clause controversy

Xavi Hernandez has returned to Barcelona as the new head coach after leaving Al Sadd. The player moved to Qatar in 2015 after spending 17 years with his boyhood club, and became the head coach in 2019. Barcelona have confirmed that Xavi has returned to the club, and he will be presented on November 8. 

The former midfielder was the favourite to replace Ronald Koeman after the Dutchman was sacked. This season, Barcelona have had their worst start to a La Liga season in over 30 years. The 41-year-old now has the task of restoring his boyhood club to their former glory. 

Barcelona’s financial problems have made the recruitment of their new head coach rather complicated. According to Spanish publication SPORT, Al Sadd reported that Barcelona had paid Xavi’s release clause. But the Catalonian club has denied making the €5 million payment right now. The La Liga fair play rules prohibit Barca from making the payment due the budgeting. 

The report from Sport indicates that Xavi and Barcelona have agreed to split the cost needed to bring the midfielder back to Camp Nou. Contrasting reports from Marca state that Barcelona will pay Al Sadd the fee at a later date. Regardless of the arrangement, Al Sadd will receive the money for their former coach. 

Xavi has the full support of the fans, being an undisputed club legend. And he now has to deliver the results on the pitch when he takes charge after the international break.