Al Sadd technical director Mohamed Ghanem Al Ali believes that Barcelona midfielder Xavi will guide the Qatari club to glory.

The veteran midfielder, 35, will leave Catalunya after a trophy-laden 17 years at Camp Nou in the summer.

Real Madrid legend Raul also had a spell with the Doha-based club from 2012 until 2014, winning two trophies, and Al Ali hopes to see Xavi have a similar impact.

"Xavi is a great player and one of football's legends," he told the club's website. "He has great experience, which will have a huge effect on our players, especially the young ones.

"Signing Xavi came from the club's philosophy to sign experienced players who can help the young players a lot on and off the pitch.

"That is what happened when former Real Madrid player Raul came here. We hope Xavi can help us to win the AFC Champions league for the third time in the club's history."

Xavi has won La Liga on seven occasions, along with three Champions League titles and two Copa del Reys.