Al-Sadd has confirmed the transfer of Xavi Hernandez to Barcelona as the new coach to replace the sacked Ronald Koeman at the end of last month. In recent days, Barcelona officials have indeed flown to Qatar for talks with Al-Sadd in an effort to bring Xavi back to Camp Nou. Xavi will take over from Sergi Barjuan, who was appointed interim coach.
Al Sadd in an official statement announced that they had reached an agreement with Barcelona. Al-Sadd’s camp will ask for compensation from Barca to release the coach who has been in charge of them since July 2019.
“The club administration has approved the transfer of Xavi to Barcelona after payment of the value of the release clause set out in his contract,” Al Sadd said in a statement on the Qatari club’s official website, quoted on Friday (11/5/2021). “Xavi is considered an important part of our history and we wish him success in the future.” the report continued.
Moreover, Barcelona is reportedly may not be able to pay cash compensation to the Qatari camp given their critical financial condition. However, another way for Barca to get the coach is to arrange a schedule for a friendly match at a later date.
At least, RAC1 reports that the solution is Barca’s desire and not Al-Sadd’s camp. The same media also reported that the stance of the two clubs improved following constructive talks between their representatives at a dinner on Wednesday night. Barca delegates Rafa Yuste and Mateu Alemany are also being highly optimistic that they will be able to return to Barcelona with Xavi Hernandez. RAC1 even said an official announcement from the club could come on Friday afternoon local time.
The 41-year-old is considered one of the most successful players in Barcelona’s history, having won 25 trophies at Camp Nou between 1997 and 2015, including eight La Liga titles and the Champions League. The Spaniard made 767 appearances for the club, a record only Lionel Messi could surpass. He also contributed 85 goals and 185 assists for the Catalan club.
Xavi left Barcelona for Al Sadd in 2015. He hung up his boots four years later before becoming the club’s permanent coach and winning the league title in his second season as coach. In total, Xavi has presented 7 trophies for Al Sadd.
