Barcelona legend Xavi is tipped to be in the dugout.
Barcelona boss Quique Setien is under pressure of losing his job and could face the sack in all likelihood if the Blaugrana cannot get the better of Villarreal on Sunday. Xavi is expected to take over as his successor after talking to Josep Maria Bartomeu, but he has put forth his conditions and asked for five signings, according to Diario GOL.
More from Everything Barca
- FC Barcelona tracking Belgian Wonderkid
- FC Barcelona vs Betis Player Ratings
- Barça boss Xavi to get contract extension
- FC Barcelona planning swoop for Arsenal midfielder
- Barcelona interested in €30 million wonderkid
Currently, the Barca squad is lacklustre and full of ageing players. Moreover, to make things worse, the board of directors has officially executed a swap deal between Arthur Melo and Miralem Pjanic. Getting rid of a budding 23-year-old midfielder for a 30 year old was a stupid move which seemingly even if the Catalan legend isn’t a fan of.
The Spaniard makes lofty demands
Nonetheless, he is willing to provide his knowledge in trying to rescue to club of his lifetime and ready to make a switch from Qatar if the Blaugrana accept his demands. Xavi has asked Bartomeu to sign Lautaro Martinez and Marcelo Brozovic from Inter Milan. The former is tipped to make a move, but the Croat is a newly linked player and surprise choice.
Second, he has asked for Aymeric Laporte to be signed from Manchester City along with Kevin De Bruyne. The duo could leave the Etihad Stadium in the event of the imposed Champions League ban and the potential Barca gaffer believes they’d be brilliant additions. Laporte could replace Gerard Pique at the back, whereas De Bruyne can walk in the squad.
Lastly, the 40-year-old wants Neymar to return from Paris Saint-Germain. Landing the Brazilian is going to be a complicated operation amid the financial difficulties and more so the legal contractual involvements that Barcelona and the winger were subject of. With that said, it still seems as if the 28-year-old is keen on leaving the Parc des Princes.
While Xavi’s demands are too lofty and might not be met in all likelihood, it remains to be seen whether or not he comes to the Camp Nou. Regardless of the board fulfilling the required signings, it’s highly possible that the likes of Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez play a crucial role in convincing the ex-Al Sadd midfielder to return.
Do you see Setien departing Barca by the end of this season?