Former Barcelona midfielder Xavi Hernandez is set to become the club’s new head coach after Al Sadd agreed to allow him to return to the Nou Camp.
The Qatari club have allowed Xavi to return to Spain after Barcelona paid a release clause to acquire the services of their former captain.
Turki Al-Ali: The #AlSadd administration has agreed on Xavi’s move to Barcelona after the payment of the release clause stipulated in the contract. We’ve agreed on cooperation with Barcelona in the future. Xavi is an important part of Al-Sadd’s history and we wish him success. pic.twitter.com/3FvCOdYl5X
— 🏆 #76 Al Sadd SC | نادي السد (@AlsaddSC) November 5, 2021
Al Sadd chief executive Turki Al-Ali said: “Xavi informed us a few days ago of his desire to go to Barcelona at this particular time, because of the critical stage his hometown club is going through, and we understand this and decided not to stand in his way.
“The Al Sadd administration has agreed on Xavi’s move to Barcelona after the payment of the release clause stipulated in the contract. We’ve agreed on cooperation with Barcelona in the future.
“Xavi is an important part of Al Sadd’s history and we wish him success.”
Xavi left Barcelona in 2015 after helping the club win 25 trophies, including four Champions Leagues and eight La Liga titles, in 17 seasons.
The former Spain international joined Al Sadd as a player in 2015 and became their head coach after hanging up his boots in 2019.
In April, he led his side to the Qatari domestic league title with the team remaining unbeaten.