Barcelona’s manager, Xavi Hernandez, might not play a substantial role in the club’s upcoming summer transfer dealings, but if he does, he certainly won’t shy away from making significant decisions. As the pressure intensifies on Xavi, being pinpointed as the primary factor behind the struggles of a team that has underperformed throughout the season, the likelihood of his departure this summer appears more probable than the departure of their star players.
Xavi has struggled to elevate the team’s performance compared to the previous season, and the results have not shown improvement either. Reports from Sport indicate that he felt more at ease with his squad last season than the current one, especially considering the major changes, including the arrivals of Joao Cancelo, Joao Felix, and Ilkay Gundogan, at the expense of Ousmane Dembele, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets. Furthermore, Xavi has conveyed to Barcelona that if selling one of their star players is necessary to acquire a top-quality defensive midfielder, he is prepared to bid farewell to key figures like Frenkie de Jong or Ilkay Gundogan.
Despite De Jong’s stellar performances last season and continued importance this year, there is a sense that his role on the field seldom contributes significantly to Barcelona’s control of matches. While Barcelona could command a substantial fee for De Jong, the challenge lies in convincing him to depart the club. On the other hand, Gundogan, being a recent acquisition, presents an opportunity for profit through a sale. However, the potential return for the midfielder, approaching his mid-thirties, remains uncertain, though shedding his substantial wages could create financial room in Barcelona’s accounts. Despite occasional standout performances, Gundogan has also faced criticism for errors, often playing out of position at the base of the midfield this season. As Barcelona contemplates their summer transfer strategy, Xavi’s willingness to make tough decisions reflects his commitment to reshaping the team and addressing the challenges that have plagued their campaign.