Barcelona hold first round of concrete talks with top candidate to replace Xavi

As speculations continue over who will be the new Barcelona manager once Xavi steps down at the end of the season, there is a fresh update from Germany regarding the club’s stance on Hansi Flick.

The 59-year-old former Bayern Munich and Germany manager has been touted as one of the strongest contenders for the Barça job.

Recent reports in Spain suggested that Flick was not a priority target for Barcelona due to his lack of experience outside Germany and doubts over his ability to count on and nurture young talents.

Flick remains a top candidate, talks held

However, Florian Plettenberg of Sky Sports Germany claims that Flick remains a top candidate for the Barcelona job, with club president Joan Laporta rating him highly.

In fact, the journalist reports that the first concrete talks have already taken place between the two parties over the appointment.

It must be remembered that Flick is represented by Pini Zahavi, who has a close relationship with Laporta. In fact, the agent was spotted with the Barça president last week during the game against Getafe.

Laporta can see Flick coaching Barcelona. (Photo by LLUIS GENE/AFP via Getty Images)

Flick is understood to be keen on joining Barcelona and as such has enlisted the help of Zahavi to land the big job.

At the same time, Barça president Laporta can see Flick at the club, having already considered his candidacy before the 59-year-old became the national team coach of Germany.

No decision has been made as of yet by Laporta or Deco, but Flick remains very much in the fray and initial talks have already been held.

Other candidates to replace Xavi include the likes of Thomas Tuchel, Roberto De Zerbi, and even Julian Nagelsmann. It remains to be seen how things develop in the coming days.