Barcelona agree deal in principle for Xavi replacement - report

Barcelona have agreed a deal for Hansi Flick to take over as the club's new manager, according to a report.

Current incumbent Xavi Hernandez looks increasingly likely to leave Catalonia this summer. The legendary midfielder performed a surprising U-turn on his decision to quit but has since angered president Joan Laporta with comments regarding the club's capabilities in the upcoming transfer market.

Xavi is due to hold negotiations with Laporta at the end of the season to discuss how the two parties will move forward.

Sporting director Deco and football co-ordinator Bojan Krkic travelled to London for talks with former Bayern Munich and Germany boss Hansi Flick and his agent Pini Zahavi. AS now report those discussions have gone well.

They claim a two-year contract has been agreed in principle for Flick to take over, though Barca still need to see out the season with Xavi and then dismiss him.

If he is appointed, Flick would reunite for former Bayern striker Robert Lewandowski as well as Germany internationals Ilkay Gundogan and Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

However, that sacking is likely to come at a major economic cost. Barca are infamously strapped for cash and may have to fork out close to €20m to get rid of Xavi and his coaching staff if they elect to part ways during the next few months.

The Blaugrana still have one final game to conclude the 2023/24 campaign. They visit Sevilla on Sunday night having already secured second place in Spain's top flight, sitting 12 points behind champions Real Madrid.

Barca's financial mismanagement in recent years could require them to sell a handful of squad members in the upcoming transfer window, with left-back Alejandro Balde not included in a group of players the club consider "non-transferable".

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