Amidst the ongoing summer transfer window, reports and news alike regarding FC Barcelona continues to spread like wildfire. It remains no secret that the Catalan club are hoping to reinforce a plethora of varying positions over the transfer period before the beginning of the 2023/2024 season comes to life.
As interviewed and reported by Mundo Deportivo, FC Barcelona head coach Xavi Hernandez was asked regarding his opinion over the various targets that Barca are reportedly pursuing to assemble a squad that could potentially look to compete for everything next season. The following outlooks are what the manager had to offer:
Lionel Messi:
Regarding the arrival of the Argentine World Cup winner and FC Barcelona legend, Xavi had nothing but positive feedback to share. Stating that the “doors are always open” for the current PSG star and that his arrival depends a lot on current relations and how strongly Messi feels about coming back home.
Bernardo Silva:
“Wonderful but difficult” is how Xavi sees the potential arrival of Bernardo Silva. The Manchester City winger and midfielder is considered an elite-level footballer that FC Barcelona have long since yearned to bring to the Catalan club. Recent reports suggest that those at Manchester City consider his future to be uncertain as of right now.
Joshua Kimmich:
Classifying him as a “top” player, Xavi beckons that negotiations between both concerned clubs must happen and are essential if there exists a possibility of the German star wanting a move away from the Bavarian giants who he is currently contracted to.
Ruben Neves:
Despite rumors suggesting that Neves is already a Barcelona player, Xavi simply slid away from confirming any such news and stated that he is a “good player” but that there are always other names and options on the table for Barcelona.
Ilkay Gundogan:
While not directly addressing the possibility of the German landing in Barcelona, Xavi did mention that it is not exactly the concept of who is free in the summer or who is not, it is the eligibility in terms of financial fair play that will dictate who plays for FC Barcelona next season.
Nico Gonzalez:
“I think Nico has been good” were the words of Xavi Hernandez when addressing Nico’s loan spell at Valencia this season, while also acknowledging the unfortunate period he has had to spend on the sidelines as well.
The manager considers him an interesting prospect and considers testing him before deciding his future from the perspective of the club.
Yannick Carrasco:
Suggesting that while Barcelona do indeed consider Carrasco a good player and have in fact an agreement with Atletico Madrid to possibly acquire him on economically feasible conditions, it remains to be seen whether the club has the limit and financial fair play integrity to be able to bring him in at any point during the summer.
Joao Cancelo:
The possibility of Joao Cancelo arriving at Barcelona was replied to by Xavi addressing an earlier opportunity for the Portuguese fullback to arrive in Catalonia during the winter window.
Stating that he was told that due to the lack of any approval for the move by Manchester City, the potential transfer lost all motion right there and then during January. A possible loan move now still is on the cards, however.
Right-back options:
Regarding the right-back position, the manager first acknowledged the troubles of having to deploy his central defenders in that position to compensate for the lack of a specialist. Stating that while they will be testing Julian Araujo during the pre-season, bringing in reinforcements for that particular position is not currently a priority.
Raphinha:
“If it’s for me, Raphinha stays” as well as calling him a player who makes a difference, Xavi Hernandez has confirmed that from the manager’s perspective, Raphinha would ideally be kept at Barcelona and be integral next season as well.
