Newcastle United will reportedly compete with Chelsea for outgoing Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez heading into the summer.
According to Graeme Bailey, Xavi Hernandez is the subject of interest from Newcastle United. Eddie Howe faces an uncertain future at St. James’ Park amid a forgettable 2023/24 campaign for the Tyneside outfit. Meanwhile, the outgoing Barcelona manager is also a target for Chelsea.
Xavi Hernandez is still a young manager finding his feet in the coaching sphere. The former Spanish international was a legendary footballer with his club and country, winning numerous trophies representing Spain and Barcelona. His first job as a head coach came with Al-Sadd, the club where he ended his playing days.
The 44-year-old was at the Qatari club for two years, representing them as the manager as soon as he hung up his boots. His spell with Barcelona has seen plenty of peaks and troughs, as he guided the Blaugrana to the league title last season. But Barcelona might end the 2023/24 season without a trophy unless they spring a surprise in the UEFA Champions League.
The Terrassa native has announced that he will leave Barcelona this summer amid the mounting pressure on him. The report by Graeme Bailey has suggested that Barcelona will prefer to retain Xavi’s services. However, the Spaniard has insisted he will not remain at the Catalan club. Such a situation has piqued the attention of Chelsea and Newcastle United.
Chelsea’s interest in Xavi Hernandez stems from the mounting pressure on Mauricio Pochettino amid his inability to galvanise the squad. So, the Blues are scouring the market for a manager, with the Barcelona boss emerging as a viable target.
As for Newcastle United, Eddie Howe is under increasing pressure amid a forgettable 2023/24 campaign. While the Magpies have suffered due to various fitness issues, Howe’s position has come under threat. So, it behoves Newcastle United to keep their options open, with Xavi’s name emerging on their wishlist.
Barcelona might not succeed in turning Xavi’s head, with Julian Nagelsmann one of the options to replace the 44-year-old. It will be interesting to see if Chelsea or Newcastle United can land the former Spanish international.
