Barcelona learn eye-watering cost of sacking Xavi - report

Barcelona would have to part with a total of €15m if they opt to sack Xavi this summer, a report has revealed.

Just a matter of weeks after Xavi's decision to walk away at the end of the season was reversed, the boss finds himself back under immense pressure after reportedly angering president Joan Laporta with public comments about the club's transfer business and inability to compete with Real Madrid.

Xavi and Laporta are expected to meet this summer to get to the bottom of this disagreement, and some reports go as far as to claim the decision has already been made to sack the manager ahead of the new season.

However, what may work in Xavi's favour is the cost of any dismissal. La Vanguardia note that it would cost a total of €15m to terminate the contracts of Xavi and his staff members which, crucially, would be added to the squad expense limit that Barcelona are already famously struggling to meet.

El Pais actually put the cost of firing Xavi at closer to €20m, highlighting the issue facing Barcelona before they even consider the cost of hiring a replacement.

Laporta and other club officials are hopeful that Xavi would give up his legal right for compensation out of love for the club that he has so publicly proclaimed over the years, but an agreement with the boss will have to be reached as AS note Xavi has already ruled out resigning himself.

Any potential replacement would likely have to be free, which is why former Germany boss Hansi Flick remains on the radar alongside Barca academy coach Rafa Marquez.

Catalonian outlet ARA recently claimed Barcelona still hold €1.4bn of debt which must be repaid by 2032, with €613.5m of that due to be returned in the next four years.

Selling players to raise money is expected to be the order of business this summer and so Barcelona may opt against dismissing Xavi if the move would provide an added expense.

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