Former Barcelona boss Xavi Hernandez is reportedly desperate to return to management – and Old Trafford could be his preferred destination.
Xavi, who was dismissed by Barça at the end of the 2023/24 season to make way for Hansi Flick, has been out of work for more than a year after initially promising himself a sabbatical. The Spaniard has since been weighing up options but has yet to take another job.
That could soon change. According to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, Xavi has been closely studying the Premier League and would jump at the chance to replace Ruben Amorim should Manchester United decide to part ways with their current head coach.
“Xavi is monitoring the Premier League and he would immediately go to Man United – even without European football,” Romano explained.
United are still backing Amorim for now, with the Portuguese coach only months into his tenure. But continued inconsistency has kept speculation swirling, and Xavi is believed to see United as the perfect platform for the next chapter of his career, following spells at Al-Sadd and Barcelona.
Middle East option also on the table
While Old Trafford is his dream scenario, Xavi could also be tempted by a lucrative return to the Middle East. Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad, who recently sacked Laurent Blanc, are considering him as one of two leading candidates alongside former Milan coach Sergio Conceição.
For now, the 44-year-old waits in the wings, but it seems only a matter of time before the World Cup-winning midfielder takes his place in the dugout once again.
