Barcelona have approached sextuple-winning manager to replace Xavi, no offer made yet

Barcelona have cast a wide net in their search for a new manager after Xavi Hernandez announced that he will be leaving at the end of the season.

A host of names, ranging from Thiago Motta to Jurgen Klopp, have been linked as potential candidates for the job.

But one name that appears to be gaining weight as a strong contender to replace Xavi at Barcelona is that of Hansi Flick.

Approach made

Now, Pol Ballus of The Athletic is reporting that Barcelona have already approached Hansi Flick to enquire about his availability in the summer.

However, while an approach has been made, the reigning La Liga champions are yet to make an offer for the 58-year-old German tactician.

As per the report, Flick ticks a lot of boxes for Barça which is why first contacts have been made with him.

The German manager’s winning record at Bayern Munich, where he won a historic sextuple – Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, UEFA Champions League, DFB Super Cup, UEFA Super Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup within a year’s time – appeals to the Barcelona board.

Hansi Flick keen on the Barcelona job. (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images)

On top of that, the fact that Flick’s arrival will not cost any fee and the attacking style of football his teams play is also seen as an attractive proposition. Beyond that, he has also shown the mettle needed to manage big personalities.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta is understood to be an admirer of the 58-year-old, along with other German managers like Julian Nagelsmann and Thomas Tuchel.

Flick interested

After recent contacts between the two parties, Flick is understood to be very keen on taking the Barcelona job. In fact, as per various reports, he has already started learning Spanish to help his transition if he were to be appointed as Xavi’s successor.

Earlier today, we reported that Flick had appointed Pini Zahavi as his new agent, which could further boost Barça’s chances of appointing him.

After all, Zahavi has a very good relationship with Laporta and also happens to represent Robert Lewandowski.