Retired Barcelona midfielder Xavi will return to Camp Nou as a manager, following the dismissal of Ronald Koeman. This comes after Xavi’s current club, Qatari side Al Sadd, confirmed on Friday that Barca had paid the coach’s €5 million release clause. Xavi’s return to the Blaugranes comes after a six-year tenure in Qatar. After wrapping up his playing career at Al Sadd, Xavi decided to remain at the club in a managerial capacity, signing his contract with the club in 2019.
Al Sadd published the following press release regarding Xavi’s departure to Barcelona: “The Al Sadd administration has agreed on Xavi’s move to Barcelona after the payment of the release clause stipulated in the contract. We have agreed on cooperation with Barcelona in the future.”
Barcelona vice president Rafa Yuste and director of football Mateu Alemany traveled to Qatar earlier this week in order to meet with Al Sadd officials in order to accelerate negotiations. Following the Qatari club’s 3-3 draw with Al-Duhail on Wednesday, Xavi bid farewell to his players in the dressing room. Afterward, he put his efforts into ensuring that the two clubs could come to an agreement.
Barcelona has not yet publicly confirmed Xavi’s appointment but is expected to do so shortly.
