European giants line up surprise move for Xavi ahead of Barcelona exit - report

Ajax are considering a move for Barcelona head coach Xavi if he departs the Spanish club as planned at the end of the season, according to a report.

Xavi announced in January that he would leave Barcelona in the summer, with the 44-year-old planning to take some time off before returning to management. His future at Barca remains uncertain as those in power at the club believe they can persuade him to stay.

However, if they are unable to, Ajax are ready to swoop in and offer a deal to see him take over in the Eredivisie.

SPORT report Ajax have listed Xavi as a potential candidate to take over from current manager John van 't Schip, who was appointed as interim boss back in October 2023. The report says that the Amsterdam club value Xavi's experience as a former player and his consideration in handling young talent - he has helped oversee the development of the likes of Pedri, Gavi, Lamine Yamal, Alejandro Balde and Pau Cubarsi while at Barcelona.

Van 't Schip has detailed his plans to leave the club in the summer, with his tenure as interim boss coming to an end. Ajax are currently having a poor season, sitting fifth in the Eredivisie table and a whopping 31 points off leaders PSV Eindhiven.

Xavi's future still hangs in the balance at Barcelona, but ultimately it will be up to him whether he stays or goes. He announced his departure off the back of a home loss to Villarreal, but they have since gone on an unbelievable run of form, reaching the Champions League quarter-finals and boasting an 11-match unbeaten run.

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