Man Utd ‚make Xavi approach‘ after surprise Barcelona exit
Manchester United are reported to have reached out to Xavi to discuss his availability after his surprise departure from Barcelona.
Just one month after reversing his decision to step down, Xavi saw his contract terminated after a disagreement with president Joan Laporta over the club’s transfer strategy. Hansi Flick has since been unveiled as his replacement.
Xavi has insisted he plans to take time away from management before looking for his next job but, according to AS, he has already been the subject of an approach from United.
United officials are conducting a full review of the season and will soon make a decision on the future of current manager Erik ten Hag, who eased the pressure on his shoulders with a victory over Manchester City in the FA Cup final.
With Ten Hag’s future not yet certain, it is claimed an informal conversation was held with Xavi to determine his availability, but the former midfielder made it clear he plans to take 12 months away from football.
Xavi is also believed to have turned down approaches from AC Milan and the South Korean national team, while he also rejected the advances of Ajax earlier this year following his initial decision to step down.
In the future, Xavi is unlikely to manage in La Liga again as he does not wish to compete with Barca, opening the door to a switch to the Premier League.
Paris Saint-Germain, owned by the same Qatari owners who were close to Xavi during his time with Al Sadd, are also touted as a potential landing spot in the future.
As for United, co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS will make a decision on Ten Hag’s future in the coming weeks, with reports suggesting club officials have told potential replacements there is not yet any guarantee they will part ways with the Dutchman.