With Xavi expected to leave the club at the end of the season, finding a new coach is Barcelona’s top priority before even heading into he summer transfer window.
While the coach has reiterated time and again that he has no intention to continue at the club, Barcelona are pushing for his continuity and have arranged a meeting with him this week to potentially convince him.
And while it seems Xavi is not entirely opposed to the idea of continuing, he wants Barcelona to compete at the highest level, and has, therefore, set three priority targets for the club in the transfer window, as per Alex Pintanel.
1. A top pivot
The biggest priority for Xavi, and more importantly the club, is to sign a holding midfielder this summer who can take over Sergio Busquets’ throne.
Andreas Christensen, Oriol Romeu, and Ilkay Gundogan have all filled in the position this season, but none convincingly enough.
As such, Xavi wants Barça to pursue a top pivot, like Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi or Bayern Munich’s Joshua Kimmich. However, each of those players will cost the club at least €50 million, with the former’s release clause standing at €60 million itself.
Xavi’s choice. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
2. A top fullback
After Joao Cancelo’s disastrous show against Real Madrid and PSG in the last week itself, it seems his continuity at the club has come under serious doubt. And as such, Xavi is hoping that Barcelona can bring him a top fullback.
Alejandro Balde will definitely continue at the club, while Jules Kounde is also expected to retain his place as the right-back of the team
Julian Araujo has had a great season at Las Palmas, but his place in the first-team for next season is not entirely confirmed.
3. A top ‘differential’
Finally, Xavi wants the club to go for a ‘differential’ player. Someone who has experience at the top level and can make a difference during big games. His asset of choice is Manchester City’s…
Author : Udhav Arora
Publish date : 2024-04-22 18:06:09
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Author : soccernews
Publish date : 2024-04-22 18:16:18
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