After a difficult transfer window in which they were able to pull off some outstanding transactions, FC Barcelona have now shifted their attention to re-signing manager Xavi Hernandez to a new deal in order to secure their position in the league.
Since the conclusion of the previous season, discussions on a new contract have been going on with the player, who will be 43 years old when the present one runs out in 2024.
Renewal for Xavi was accepted and completed.
And now, Mari Carmen Torres of MARCA is reporting that Barcelona and Xavi have reached an agreement on a new deal, which would keep Xavi at the club until 2026 and puts an end to the saga.
The continuance of the Barcelona legend was never in doubt or up for discussion; after all, he guided the club to their first La Liga title since 2019 in his first full season in command of the club in 2022/23.
The 43-year-old manager also guided the Blaugrana to victory in the Spanish Super Cup during the previous campaign, and he is now aiming for even more accomplishments during the upcoming season.
As is the case with all discussions, there were certain roadblocks, such as the manager’s request for increased wages for his staff, which were encountered when discussing a new arrangement, which had been in the works for a few months previously.
It is important to keep in mind that the former midfielder bought his own way out of Al Sadd in order to be released from his contract, and that he also agreed to a lower wage when he joined Barcelona in 2021.
Xavi’s employment terms have been upgraded.
Xavi was considered to be the ideal candidate for the position. (Image courtesy of Getty Images/Eric Alonso))
Now, the article adds that despite there being some challenges during discussions, the primary goal of both parties was always to extend their collaboration. This is said despite the fact that there were some disagreements during the process.
Joan Laporta, the president of Barcelona, believes that Xavi is the ideal candidate to head up the project and guide the squad to the top of European football once again.
As a result of this, an agreement has been reached with the manager to get higher remuneration for both himself and the employees under his supervision.
There has been no decision made regarding when a formal announcement of Xavi’s new contract, which will begin in 2020 and continue until 2026, will be made.
Since taking over the squad in November 2021, Xavi has managed it for a total of 94 matches, during which Barcelona has amassed 59 wins, 16 draws, and 19 losses.