Xavi Hernández could return to the sidelines sooner than many imagined. The Catalan coach, after a break following his departure from FC Barcelona, has several proposals on the table.
One of the most powerful comes from Saudi Arabia's Al-Hilal, which places him as the first option to replace Jorge Jesús. Despite recent titles, the Riyadh club seeks a change of cycle and a more structuring profile.
Saudi Arabia seduces the Catalan coach again
Xavi already had a previous experience in the region managing Al-Sadd in Qatar, where he left a good impression. That stage helped him grow, win titles, and prepare for what was his leap to Barça.
Now, with more experience and a global vision of the game, the Catalan doesn't rule out a return to the Arabian Peninsula. However, he demands an essential condition: to have a direct voice in the sports planning of his new team.
From Saudi Arabia, they have assured him full freedom to make decisions. With that margin, Xavi is already working on a list of possible reinforcements. The first name is one he knows perfectly: a center-back who was a pillar in his Barça.
He is an experienced defender, with great ball distribution, tactical intelligence, and leadership ability. Although he doesn't have prominence with Flick, he is still valued in Europe for his reliability and consistency.
Flick has other priorities in defense
The change of coach at Barça has altered several hierarchies within the locker room. Andreas Christensen has been one of those affected. Under Xavi, he was indisputable; with Flick, he has moved to the background.
Araujo, Cubarsí, and even Iñigo Martínez have accumulated more minutes than him this season. In this scenario, both the club and the player consider it logical to evaluate a departure if a suitable offer arrives.
Christensen seeks a project where he feels important, and doing so with a coach who trusts him is appealing. At 29 years old, he wants minutes, stability, and a leading role within the locker room.
For Barça, his departure would mean a necessary financial injection. Freeing up salary and obtaining close to 10 million is a good operation. Additionally, it would open space for new signings in the blue and garnet defense.
Xavi also wants to take offensive talent
But Christensen is not the only Barça player on Xavi Hernández's radar. The coach has also requested to strengthen his attack with another footballer he knows well.
A winger who was an emblem of Barça's future but has not managed to establish himself in the first team. His performance, limited by injuries and lack of continuity, has made his role completely fade with Flick.
Xavi believes he can recover the best Ansu Fati, the one he trusted since his debut. At Al-Hilal, he would have minutes, responsibility, and a less demanding environment to rediscover his form.
Barça, aware of the situation, would not put too many obstacles to his departure if a serious proposal arrives. The player needs a new environment, and the coach, a boost for his international project.
An operation that would relieve Barça and strengthen Al-Hilal
If Xavi accepts the Saudi club's proposal, he could take with him two known and trusted players. Christensen would strengthen the defense and provide tactical solidity. Ansu would bring imbalance and goals to the offensive front.
For Barça, they would be two useful departures in sports and necessary economically. For Xavi, the perfect start to a new cycle with pieces he knows and trusts.
From Barcelona, they watch closely. Because the coach's return to the sidelines could be solved soon... and with a Barça flavor from the first minute.