Xavi Hernández has spent a year without coaching since he was dismissed by Barça after a disastrous season. The Catalan, who is 45 years old, has been linked to several teams in Europe, but so far he hasn't managed to secure any destination. Now, in the middle of June, a vacancy has opened up at one of the most important clubs in Saudi Arabia, Al-Ahli, and they're considering him for the position.
The Athletic has revealed that Xavi Hernández is one of the favorite options to take over the Al-Ahli bench. In addition to the Terrassa native, the list also includes Ange Postecoglou, who is 59 years old and was recently dismissed by Tottenham.
Xavi Hernández asks Al-Ahli for two Barça signings
Madrid-Barcelona has learned that Xavi Hernández, although he prefers to keep coaching in Europe, doesn't rule out Al-Ahli's offer. He hasn't received the interest he desired after winning a league and a Super Cup with FC Barcelona, and he doesn't want to remain inactive for too long.
Despite this, he isn't willing to accept just any offer. Xavi has set conditions for the Saudi team before saying "yes, I do" to the job offer. Among them is the signing of two Barça stars to strengthen the squad and compete for all possible titles.
One is Fermín López, his favorite at FC Barcelona. He gave him his first-team debut after a loan to Linares, discovering the great player he is today. Fermín is very grateful to Xavi Hernández, and they have an excellent relationship. He has received interest from several top clubs, but for now he has declined to leave Barça.
He has a contract until 2029 and would only leave if he requested it himself. If this were to happen, the Catalan club has valued Fermín at €80 million ($80 million), not a cent less.
On Al-Ahli's table, Xavi Hernández has also requested another signing from Barça: Ter Stegen. The trust in the German is absolute, and he isn't satisfied with what's available at the Saudi club, with Edouard Mendy in goal. He's aware of his situation at Camp Nou and would offer him a place to play and be important ahead of the World Cup.
In this regard, Ter Stegen's departure would be much easier than Fermín's. The German is no longer in Barça's plans and would have the door open, even being allowed to leave for free if he gave up the three years of salary he has left: that's not a small amount of money...