Former Barcelona boss Xavi reportedly has his sights set on a move to the Premier League.
Since November 2021, the former midfielder has been tasked with bringing the Catalan giants through a sustained period of financial turbulence and keep them as La Liga challengers.
Xavi has achieved that goal to a certain extent, lifting last year's league title before having to settle for the runners-up spot this time around.
However, despite having initially performed a U-turn to extend his stay at Camp Nou, comments over the club's expected progress led to president Joan Laporta ending his time in the dugout.
Given that the club legend has successfully nurtured the development of several academy prospects in the first team, as well as winning a league title, Xavi's reputation has very much remained intact.
© Reuters
Xavi ready to move to the Premier League
As a result of his association with Barcelona as a player as well as a manger, it remains to be seen where the 44-year-old will next end up.
Nevertheless, according to Sport, the Spaniard has his sights set on eventually linking up with a team in England.
In the short term, the expectation is that Xavi will continue to take a break and recuperate ahead of taking on his next project.
That said, he seemingly wants to become the latest Spaniard manager to experience the Premier League, possessing the obvious desire to emulate Pep Guardiola's success at Manchester City and Mikel Arteta's progress at Arsenal.
© Reuters
Are there any obvious options for Xavi?
The report in question mentions no clubs that could emerge as a realistic destination, but it remains to be seen how Xavi would react to an approach from Manchester United.
With Thomas Tuchel said to have withdrawn from the race to potentially succeed Erik ten Hag and Gareth Southgate focused on England's bid to win Euro 2024, it is not beyond the realms of possibility that Xavi could be provided with an opportunity.
Elsewhere, Xavi is reliant on sackings or resignations. Each of the managers at last season's top-seven seem secure in their positions.
Eddie Howe may come under pressure to deliver at Newcastle United at the beginning of 2024-25, but Xavi could have to wait until 2025 unless a vacancy opens up at St James' Park.
Darren Plant
