Published Date: 2025-05-08 14:56:35 Updated At: 2025-05-08 14:57:28

Spanish coach Xavi Hernandez, currently the head coach of FC Barcelona, has rejected lucrative offers from Arab clubs in recent weeks, amid ongoing speculation about his managerial future following the Catalan club’s announcement of potential technical changes at the end of the season.

According to informed sources, Xavi received two official offers: one from Al Sadd SC — where he previously played and coached — and another from the Qatar Football Association to lead the national team. Despite the seriousness of both offers in terms of financial value and technical interest, Xavi declined them, preferring to remain in the European football scene, which he sees as more aligned with his professional ambitions at this stage of his career.

It’s worth noting that Xavi shares a strong historical relationship with Al Sadd, where he ended his playing career and began his journey in coaching, achieving several domestic titles that established his name in Qatari football. However, despite this close connection, the Spanish coach has chosen to close the door on returning to Qatari football, expressing his desire to remain in European circles where competition is at the highest technical level.

Regarding the possibility of coaching Saudi club Al Hilal, the same sources indicated that the situation remains unclear and no final decision has been made. Although there have been some informal contacts, Xavi has neither agreed to nor directly entered into negotiations. It is said that his current focus is on evaluating offers from Europe, especially those that present a significant competitive challenge.

European media have listed Xavi as a strong contender to replace Xabi Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen, as Alonso is expected to take over at Real Madrid following Carlo Ancelotti’s departure. Coaching Leverkusen appears to appeal to Xavi as it presents a chance to prove himself in the competitive German Bundesliga, particularly after the complex experience he faced at Barcelona, which involved major challenges and high expectations from fans.

Meanwhile, Saudi club Al Hilal continues its search for a suitable replacement for Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus, whose future with the team is uncertain due to inconsistent results and performances that have not met the expectations of fans and management. Reports reveal that one of the leading candidates being considered is Zlatko Dalić, the current head coach of the Croatian national team.

Dalić boasts an impressive résumé, having led Croatia to historic achievements — most notably reaching the 2018 World Cup final and finishing third in the 2022 edition — which significantly raised his profile in the global coaching market. He also has prior experience in the Arab region, particularly in Saudi Arabia, where he coached Al Hilal from 2012 to 2014, managing 20 matches, and previously worked with the club’s U-23 squad.

However, Dalić’s current contract with the Croatian Football Federation runs until the end of the 2026 World Cup, which could complicate negotiations unless a formal agreement is reached. Informed sources note that Al Hilal’s management is evaluating all available options, considering both European and South American coaches, with international experience and familiarity with the region being key factors in the selection process.

It’s worth mentioning that Al Hilal, as one of Asia’s biggest clubs, constantly seeks to attract world-class managers — making Dalić a strong candidate, especially if an agreement can be reached that respects his current international commitments. On the other hand, Xavi’s name being considered reflects the club’s ambition to sign a coach capable of delivering modern attacking football that aligns with the team’s philosophy and desire to win all possible titles, domestically and continentally.

The coaching situation at Al Hilal is expected to see significant developments in the coming weeks, especially with the current season nearing its end. The club is likely to announce its new head coach soon, as it aims to begin preparations for next season with a stable technical leader who has a long-term strategic vision.

The key questions lingering in football circles are: Will Xavi pursue a new challenge in the Bundesliga, or will he surprise everyone by accepting a Gulf football offer? And can Al Hilal succeed in landing Dalić despite his ongoing commitment to the Croatian national team? Answers to these questions will become clearer soon, as fans eagerly await the futures of these big-name managers.