Barcelona contact Champions League winner over manager job - report

Barcelona have reached out to former Bayern Munich and Germany manager Hansi Flick over a move to Camp Nou, according to a report.

Current boss Xavi will step down from his post at the end of the campaign and so Barcelona have started searching for a replacement. But there is expected to be significant competition for top candidates as Liverpool are also on the hunt for a new boss.

Trying to steal a march for one of the biggest free agents available, The Athletic state Barcelona have reached out to Flick to gauge his interest in taking the job.

There has not been a formal job offer but Barcelona officials are said to be admirers of Flick for a number of reasons, not least the fact he is available without a fee.

A serial winner during his time with Bayern Munich, Flick's CV is an impressive one but Barcelona also believe the German's personality and ability to manage big personalities will make him a good fit.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has spoken openly in the past of his admiration for Flick, who won two Bundesliga titles in addition to the 2019/20 Champions League and is reported to be learning Spanish in his free time.

It is believed that Flick, whose tensure as Germany national team coach didn't go well, would be keen to move to Barcelona. The boss recently signed with agent Pini Zahavi, who is known to be close to Laporta and played a big role in Robert Lewandowski's move to Camp Nou in 2022.

Also on Barcelona's radar is Brighton & Hove Albion's Roberto De Zerbi, with PSG's Luis Enrique and Bayern Munich's Thomas Tuchel are both seen as potential targets for the position.

One manager who is unlikely to be considered is Sporting CP's Ruben Amorim as Barca sporting director Deco publicly questioned whether the Portuguese boss has the necessary experience.

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