Everything Barca
Fansided

Xavi shuts down Barcelona’s attempt to sign Liverpool superstar

By Nishant Narayanan

DOHA, QATAR - DECEMBER 17: Al-Sadd Head Coach Xavier Hernandez gestures during the FIFA Club World Cup 5th place match between Al-Sadd Sports Club and Esperance Sportive de Tunis at Khalifa International Stadium on December 17, 2019 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Marcio Machado/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
DOHA, QATAR - DECEMBER 17: Al-Sadd Head Coach Xavier Hernandez gestures during the FIFA Club World Cup 5th place match between Al-Sadd Sports Club and Esperance Sportive de Tunis at Khalifa International Stadium on December 17, 2019 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Marcio Machado/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Barcelona legend and future manager, Xavi, believes that both Liverpool star, Sadio Mane, and Arsenal striker, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, will struggle at Camp Nou.

Barcelona have grown ambitious in recent years after shifting their whole DNA from homegrown talents to big-name signings like Philippe Coutinho, Antoine Griezmann, Neymar and now Lautaro Martinez. La Masia has been unable to produce players such as Xavi and Andres Iniesta, so the club has no other option but to look at external resources.

More from Everything Barca

There are countless other footballers linked with a move to the Nou Camp like Arsenal skipper, Aubameyang and Liverpool forward, Sadio Mane, just to name a few. Barca legend and regarded by many as the soon to be coach, Xavi Hernandez, has praised the undisputed talents of both these footballers but advises the club not to sign them.

The Spanish coach feels that both Mane and Aubemeyang with struggle under the leadership of current coach Quique Setien as his playstyle does not suit the two superstars.

The Arsenal captain has yet to sign a contract extension with his current contract expiring in a year. This has ignited the rumors revolving around his arrival to Camp Nou as the Catalan giants are actively looking for a replacement for aging Luis Suarez. Having said that, the Gabon international does not fit the bill as at 30 years of age, is far from Barca’s aspiration to sign a long term replacement to Suarez.

Meanwhile, Sadio Mane’s talent is heavily desired by both Barca and their arch-rivals Real Madrid. Mane’s contract at Liverpool expires in 2023, and after winning the Champions League last year and leading the Premier League this season, many believe that the Senegal international has achieved all he can in England and will look elsewhere for a greater challenge.

But Xavi has shutdown Barca’s transfer interest as he feels the two will truly struggle.

"“Mane and Aubemayang can kill you in open space, But Barca need players who know how to move in small spaces, I am thinking about player who would adapt to Barcelona and it’s not easy to find one. Samuel Eto’o was perfect as is Luis Suarez right now.”  Xavi said.Source Mirror"

Xavi has also stated that he is excited to see the return of Neymar to the Nou Camp.

"“Football-wise, he is among the three or five best in the world. I hope that he returns to Barcelona.”"

Next. Liverpool to capitalize on missed opportunity by Barcelona to sign Brazilian prospect. dark

Should Barca listen to their famous midfielder?

Home/FC Barcelona News