Chelsea and Manchester United are reportedly mulling over appointing 44-year-old former Barcelona boss Xavi Hernandez as their next manager.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, Chelsea and Manchester United are interested in Xavi Hernandez. The two Premier League clubs have kept their options open if they come into the position of having to part ways with their managers in the coming months. So, the 44-year-old former Barcelona boss has emerged as a target for them.
Xavi Hernandez was one of the world’s best players in his generation, spending most of his career with Barcelona while winning dozens of trophies at the club level. The Spaniard also lifted the FIFA World Cup and UEFA European Championship with his national side. However, he hung up his boots in 2019 after a few years with Al-Sadd.
The 44-year-old entered the managerial sphere in 2019, taking charge of Al-Sadd after calling time on his professional career. The Barcelona legend helped the Qatari outfit half a dozen trophies before the Blaugrana came calling in 2021. The opportunity to manage his boyhood club tugged at his heartstrings, and he returned to Camp Nou in November 2021.
The Spanish tactician endured a topsy-turvy ride with Barcelona, winning two trophies, including the 2022/23 La Liga title. However, the Catalan giants sacked him before the 2023/24 season ended, and he has been a free agent since then. That may change in the coming months, as Chelsea and Manchester United are interested in him.
Xavi Hernandez has been on Manchester United’s radar for a long time. The continued interest is understandable, as Ruben Amorim is not out of the woods yet, even though the Red Devils have performed better under him this season. With the Portuguese tactician still under pressure, they will keep their options open.
As for Chelsea, Enzo Maresca will be under pressure to finish in the top four this season and win trophies. With the West London club in an excellent run of form in the last few weeks, the Italian tactician is making his mark. Nevertheless, the Blues have kept their options open.
Meanwhile, reports a few weeks ago suggested Xavi was closely monitoring the managerial situation at Manchester United. So, it will not be surprising if the 44-year-old Spanish tactician is open to the opportunity of managing a top Premier League club.