Xavi Hernandez is widely expected to be coming to the end of his glorious career at Barcelona, who could the Catalan giants sign to replace him?
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Manchester United transfer rumours
The Barca legend and World Cup-winning midfielder is believed to be close to sealing a move to Qatari side Al Sadd, according to ESPN.
Since making his debut in 1998, Xavi has become a pivotal component in Barcelona’s magnificent generation and the most successful period in the club’s history.
He was won seven La Liga titles, three Champions League crowns and numerous other domestic honours during his time at the Nou Camp.
For La Roja, he has lifted the European Championship twice—either side of the nation’s maiden World Cup victory in 2010.
Having recently made his 500th La Liga appearance—becoming only the eighth player in history to achieve the feat—Xavi will be hard to replace, but here are five candidates to fill the void he will undoubtedly leave.
Isco
It may be a controversial choice, but in Real Madrid playmaker Isco, Barca might have an ideal candidate to replace Xavi right under their noses.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Luis Enrique is considering a move for the former Malaga man, and with Real Madrid acknowledging that the player is available, it may not be beyond the realms of possibility.
However, Arsenal are also reported to be interested in the Spain international, and may look to compete with Barca for the 23-year-old.
Ilkay Gundogan
Germany midfielder Ilkay Gundogan has made no secret of his desire to leave Borussia Dortmund.
The injury-prone star has attracted interest from Arsenal and Manchester United, but might he not be an ideal candidate to replace Xavi in the heart of the Barca midfield?
Gundogan is not looking to extend his deal with Dortmund—which expires next summer—and the club may be willing to sell the player in a cut-price deal this summer.
With his terrific technical prowess, sublime vision and near-perfect passing ability, Gundogan might prove to be an ideal fit for Barca.
Paul Pogba
Le 10 Sport have reported that Barcelona have earmarked Juventus midfielder and former Manchester United man Paul Pogba as a potential replacement for Xavi.
The powerhouse is a different kind of player to the Spain great, but with his drive, technical prowess and presence, he would definitely add something to Barca.
However, should the Catalonian heavyweights look to make a move for the France international, they will likely face competition from the likes of Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid.
Marco Verratti
Barcelona’s interest in Marco Verratti has intensified in recent weeks, and while the club are currently banned from signing players, they may well turn to the Italian prodigy in January 2016.
Luis Enrique previously admitted that he was an admirer of the Paris Saint-Germain midfielder’s talent while he was AS Roma chief—according to Le 10 Sport.
Could he look to bring the 22-year-old to the Nou Camp and build the post-Xavi Barcelona around him?
Kevin De Bruyne
El Mundo Deportivo [via Nieuwsblad] have reported that Barcelona have joined the hunt for Wolfsburg playmaker Kevin De Bruyne.
The Belgium international has been targeted by the likes of Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester City and Bayern Munich after his stunning Bundesliga campaign.
The 23-year-old has been in exceptional form this season after moving from Chelsea, and has contributed 10 goals and 19 assists as Wolfsburg have pushed for Champions League qualification.
Barca could do a lot worse…