Xavi set to axe SEVEN Barcelona players if he replaces Koeman

Martin Macdonald

• 18 Sept 2021 17:02 BST
• 3 min read

As many as seven Barcelona stars could be axed by Xavi if the former midfielder returns to the club as head coach in 2022, according to reports from Spain.

Ronald Koeman is currently in charge at Camp Nou, but there are constant rumours surrounding his future due to the team's performance on the pitch as well as tumultuous goings-on behind the scenes.

The Dutchman is eager to gain a new long-term contract with Barcelona, but at the moment no negotiations have taken place.

FootballTransfers previously detailed some of the candidates who are in the frame to replace him.

Xavi is one of these candidates, and El Nacional report that the World Cup winner will undertake a complete overhaul of the squad should he arrive.

That means a selection of players who allegedly don't fit the Barcelona 'DNA' will be moved on.

The players at risk are: Philippe Coutinho, Martin Braithwaite, Luuk de Jong, Sergino Dest, Clement Lenglet, Sergio Aguero and Samuel Umtiti.

Perhaps the most surprising name from that list is Aguero, as the Argentine only joined the Catalan side this summer.

Aguero left Manchester City after a decade, hoping to hook up with friend Lionel Messi at Barca before the latter left for Paris Saint-Germain.

Unfortunately for Aguero, he is yet to make an impact yet and hasn't played due to an injury suffered in pre-season.

What has Xavi said about Barcelona?

Xavi has previously said he is "available" to coach Barcelona when called upon, but isn't in any rush to return.

"I'm always on the market. I've been coach for two years and I have a very good relationship with [Barcelona president Joan] Laporta," he said.

"He decides, I have not been able to talk to him. They have decided to stick with Koeman and I wish him all the best.

"Whatever he has decided, I imagine it will be the best for the club. I'm always aware of what Barcelona are doing, I'm still very invested in the club, but in these three or four months I haven't had any contact with anyone on the board.

"I don't know when that moment will come. I'm on the market, but I'm not in a hurry.

"It's a dream and an ambition of mine. I couldn't imagine having two offers to come back, and they arrived [before Laporta replaced Bartomeu as president].

"I try to be ready for when Barcelona or another club arrives. I'm ready, but I'm not in a hurry. I hope that everything will come to fruition."