Xavi Hernandez is increasingly closer to extending his stay at FC Barcelona but has made a few demands to continue at the club.
According to a report by Football Transfers, Xavi Hernandez might reverse his decision after announcing his departure from Barcelona a few months ago. The Catalan giants have been trying to keep the former Spanish international at the club beyond the summer. And that might happen, although the Barcelona manager has made a few demands to extend his stay.
Xavi Hernandez is one of the greatest footballers of all time. He spent most of his career at the club level with Barcelona, winning every trophy multiple times, including the treble. In addition, he enjoyed tremendous success with the Spanish national side, winning the 2010 FIFA World Cup and two UEFA European Championships.
Xavi’s career at the club level ended with Al-Sadd, and he entered the coaching sphere by taking charge of the Qatari club. However, the 44-year-old has risen in prominence as a manager since returning to Barcelona in 2021, replacing Ronald Koeman midway through a disastrous 2021/22 campaign.
Xavi did not take long to make his mark as the Barcelona manager, beating Real Madrid in his first El Clasico while lifting the league title in his maiden full season at the Catalan club. The Blaugrana also won the Supercopa de Espana last season, vindicating Joan Laporta’s decision to appoint the Spaniard as the head coach.
However, Xavi’s frustrations have grown this season, partly due to sporting reasons and partly because of issues behind the scenes. The former Spanish international has failed to guide Barcelona to successive La Liga titles, although they are mathematically in contention to win it.
The UEFA Champions League is the only trophy Barcelona can realistically win this season. However, Xavi’s announcement in January to leave Barcelona at the end of the 2023/24 season was shocking. Since then, the Catalan giants have scoured the market for a manager, with several candidates, including Mikel Arteta, emerging as targets.
However, recent reports have claimed that the reigning La Liga champions want to keep Xavi at the club beyond the 2023/24 season. That might be possible now, with the report suggesting the 44-year-old is increasingly likely to extend his stay at FC Barcelona. But he has two demands to reverse his original decision.
Xavi has asked for at least two major summer signings to bolster his squad. In addition, he wants Barcelona to sell certain players. Regardless of the demands, Xavi’s change of stance over leaving the Blaugrana comes as a boost for the club.
