Xavi Hernandez has confirmed that he will finally be calling time on his Barcelona career to join Qatari side Al Sadd.
SEE ALSO:
Ten La Liga stars wanted by Premier League clubs this summer, including Bale, Koke plus Barcelona duo to Liverpool
David Beckham birthday: Pics of stunning 6-star Moroccan hotel for Man Utd legend’s party
Manchester United transfer rumours
Speaking in a press conference on Thursday, the 35-year-old confirmed that he was leaving Barcelona in the summer to join a ‘thrilling new project’ in Qatar, according to ESPN.
There is no doubt that the midfielder will go down as one of the game’s all-time greats.
He was influential as Spain won their first-ever World Cup, and also twice lifted the European Championships—in 2008 and 2012.
For Barcelona, he has won seven La Liga titles among numerous other domestic honours. To date, he has lifted the Champions League three times, and could win a fourth title when Barca go head-to-head against Juventus with this year’s final in Berlin.
Since making his debut in 1998, Xavi has one of Barcelona’s key figures; how do the Catalonian side begin to replace one of the most iconic figures in their history?
Here are eight suggestions.
Paul Pogba
Barcelona have made no secret of their desire to sign Paul Pogba. Indeed, while the Frenchman is by no means a natural replacement for Xavi, he would be a magnificent addition for the Catalonians.
However, while the current Juventus man has made no secret of his desire to play alongside Lionel Messi, there are several problems that Barca must overcome in order to get their man.
First of all, there is likely to be considerable competition for the powerhouse’s signature, with Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United all linked to his signature.
Similarly, with Barcelona unable to register new players until January 2016, they may have to watch on impotently as one of their rivals steal their key transfer target.
Marco Verratti
According to Sport, Barcelona are keen on Marco Verratti—a player with the technical prowess to control the midfield as Xavi has done for so long.
However, it remains to be seen if Barca can prise the talented Italy international from Paris Saint-Germain, particularly, if as suggested by the Spanish source, Luis Enrique’s side are willing to pay up to €50million for the 22-year-old.
However, as with Pogba, Real Madrid will look to tempt Verratti to the Bernabeu, with the Daily Mail suggesting that Carlo Ancelotti is planning a £30 million-bid for a player who could replace Sami Khedira.
Yaya Toure
It appears inevitable that Yaya Toure will be leaving Manchester City this summer.
The Ivorian has enjoyed great success at the club, but it appears as though the time is right for him to seek pastures new.
Paris Saint-Germain appear favourites for his signature as they attempt to make the West African a glamorous, high-profile recruit.
However, might Barcelona also look to bring one of their revered alumni back to the Camp Nou in order to tide the club over during a few seasons of transition?
Isco
According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona are keen on signing Isco, who has found himself in a tricky situation at Real Madrid.
Despite impressing in patches under Carlo Ancelotti, the talented playmaker has been reduced to a peripheral role since James Rodriguez returned from injury to take his place in the starting XI.
Isco would definitely be a controversial choice for the Catalonian side, but has the vision, the anticipation, the technique and the passing ability to take the playmaking duties at the Nou Camp following Xavi’s departure.
Ilkay Gundogan
Borussia Dortmund are set to be a club transformed this season—and not for the better.
Coach Jurgen Klopp has already confirmed that he will be leaving the club, while the likes of Marco Reus and Mats Hummels have been rumoured to be following him out of the door.
It would be little surprise should Ilkay Gundogan follow him, having made little secret of his desire to leave the club.
The midfielder only has one year left on his current deal, and his repeated injuries seemingly haven’t dissuaded the likes of Arsenal and Manchester United from considering a move for the Germany international.
Might he also be an ideal fit for Barcelona?
Morgan Schneiderlin
Typically, Morgan Schneiderlin has been linked with a transfer to one of Southampton’s Premier League rivals.
Arsenal have been long-term admirers of the France international, although the emergence of Francis Coquelin seems to have cooled Arsene Wenger’s interest.
Tottenham Hotspur, or even Chelsea, may took to move for the powerful midfielder this summer.
Again, Schneiderlin is not the same kind of player as Xavi, but would bring presence and conviction to the heart of the Barca midfield.
Koke
Would Barcelona be able to prise Koke away from Atletico Madrid?
While they may face competition from Chelsea, the playmaker already knows La Liga inside out and would be a competent replacement for Xavi and it’s a fairly safe bet that the Spaniard would fit seamlessly into the heart of the Barca midfield.
However, would Koke—a loyal character and a local boy—agree to leave his beloved Atletico?
Kevin De Bruyne
Since leaving Chelsea for Wolfsburg last summer, Kevin De Bruyne has enjoyed a new lease of life in the Bundesliga.
He has demonstrated his class as one of the finest playmakers in Germany and has contributed 20 assists and 10 goals in his 33 outings in the top flight so far this season.
The 23-year-old’s form has naturally attracted interest from some of Europe’s major sides, with the Express linking Arsenal with a £35 million move for the Belgian.
Chelsea, Manchester United and Barcelona are all also rumoured to be interested in the player, who could become a long-term successor to Xavi.