La Liga champions Barcelona have reportedly frozen the summer move for 53-year-old treble-winning manager Luis Enrique.
According to a report by Spanish outlet SPORT, a potential move for Barcelona to re-sign Luis Enrique is not set in stone. Joan Laporta wants to convince Xavi Hernandez to remain at the Catalan club beyond the 2023/24 season. So, he has frozen a potential move for the 53-year-old treble-winning manager.
Luis Enrique and his fantastic careers
Luis Enrique has been a high achiever throughout his career. A native of Gijon, he enjoyed incredible success with Real Madrid and Barcelona after leaving Sporting Gijon in 1991. The Spaniard won ten trophies at the club level, including three La Liga titles, while representing his national side 62 times.
Enrique entered the managerial world in 2008, taking charge of Barceona’s reserve side. He served the club for three years before rising in prominence during his stints with AS Roma and Celta Vigo. Since then, the 53-year-old has seen his stock skyrocket, with Barcelona re-signing him in 2014.
Enrique guided Barcelona to a treble in his first season while winning other trophies before calling it quits in 2017. Since then, the Spanish tactician has enjoyed positive moments with Spain and Paris Saint-Germain, with the 2023/24 Ligue 1 title a formality. His exploits have not gone unnoticed, compelling Barcelona to consider a summer move.
Barcelona homecoming on the cards?
Xavi Hernandez dropped a bombshell in January, announcing his impending departure from Barcelona at the end of the 2023/24 season. The former Spanish international will not even spend three years at the Catalan club, revealing undue pressure as one of the reasons for his upcoming exit.
Joan Laporta initially accepted Xavi’s resignation, setting about identifying his replacement. Several managers have since emerged on Barcelona’s radar, although they have ruled out many moves. Laporta has now frozen a potential deal for Luis Enrique as he wants to convince Xavi Hernandez to remain at the Catalan club beyond the 2023/24 season.
Xavi has repeatedly insisted that he does not want to continue at FC Barcelona after the 2023/24 season ends. So, the Blaugrana must identify a replacement, with 53-year-old treble-winning manager Enrique being one of the targets.
