Spanish Legend Becomes New Barcelona Manager After Qatari Club Released Him

Spanish Legend Becomes New Barcelona Manager After Qatari Club Released Him

SportsBrief.com, Babajide Orevba
updated at April 12, 2023 at 7:51 PM
  • Xavi had a two-year deal left with Al Sadd, who were in talks with Barcelona about releasing the Catalan legend
  • The former Barcelona midfielder Xavi is now set to be named the new boss at the Spanish club in the next few hours
  • He will replace Dutchman Ronald Koeman, who was sacked on October 28 after a dismal run of results

Qatari side Al Sadd have announced that Xavi has left his role as manager, with the Spaniard now set to become the new Barcelona boss, Republic World reports.

Xavi has been favourite to become the new Barcelona manager since the sacking of Ronaldo Koeman, and the only obstacle in the deal was Al Sadd, whom Xavi was contracted to for two years.

But it seems Barcelona have made a breakthrough in talks with the Qatari club, who released a statement on Friday, November 5.

Xavi Hernandez
Xavi has left Qatari club Al Saad. Photo: Karim Jafaar
Source: Getty Images

The club said via Futaa:

“The Al Sadd administration has agreed on Xavi’s move to Barcelona after the payment of the release clause stipulated in the contract. We’ve agreed on cooperation with Barcelona in the future. Xavi is an important part of Al-Sadd’s history and we wish him success.”

Xavi earlier expressed his desire to rejoin Barcelona, a development that was confirmed by Al Sadd chief executive Turki Al-Ali.

"Xavi informed us a few days ago of his desire to go to Barcelona at this particular time, because of the critical stage his hometown club is going through, and we understand this and decided not to stand in his way."

Xavi left Barcelona back in 2015 after a successful spell with the club as a player, where he won 25 trophies including eight La Liga titles and four Champions Leagues.

Xavi’s last game as Al Sadd boss

In his last match as Al Sadd boss, Xavi’s side played out a thrilling 3-3 draw with Al Duhail, in a game where Kenyan Michael Olunga scored a brace, including a last-minute equaliser.

In a game that could have gone either way, Algeria's Baghdad Bounedjah put Al Sadd in the lead in the fourth minute after a ball from Jung Woo-Young.

Olunga however restored parity for his side in the 24th minute, finding the back of the net with a powerful corner from Edmilson Junior.

Xavi desperate in bringing Pogba to Barcelona

Legit.ng earlier reported that Xavi Hernandez has reportedly named Paul Pogba among the four players he would love to sign when he becomes Barcelona manager next summer..

The Barca legend is believed to have accepted to become the club's new manager after Ronald Koeman was given the boot in the past week.

And according to reports in Spain, the former midfield general has wished Pogba would be among his four major signings in the summer transfer window.

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Babajide Orevba
Babajide Orevba is a CAF accredited Nigerian journalist and HOD of the Local Desk with over 10 years of experience in media landscape.He studied NCE Political Science/Social Studies, AOCOED.
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