Barcelona in the final stage of their search for a new manager, four candidates remain on the list – report

As Barcelona near the end of the campaign, the imminence of Xavi’s departure, who announced his pre-emptive resignation last month, edges closer and closer.

The Catalan giants have been carefully evaluating a number of coaches who could succeed Xavi and bring back a period of sustained success at the club.

Now, according to SPORT, Barcelona have entered the final stage of the process of selecting a new manager.

And as per the report, Hansi Flick, Roberto De Zerbi, Julian Nagelsmann, and Thomas Tuchel are the final four names that have entered the club’s shortlist.

Hansi Flick

The former Bayern Munich and German national team manager has been one of the frontrunners to take over Xavi, with his success at Bayern Munich rendering him a favourable candidate.

While Flick fell short of expectations with Germany, in his first season with Bayern, he led the Bavarians to six trophies within a year. One of the aspects that strengthens his case is that he is particularly eager to take over the reins at Barcelona, reportedly believing that he is the ideal man to take charge.

Roberto De Zerbi

The Brighton & Hove Albion manager has been heralded for revolutionizing the way the Seagulls plays football, with an expert eye for honing young talents. Owing to his excellent work in England, De Zerbi has been high on Barcelona’s wishlist to replace Xavi.

However, Barcelona are not prepared to pay the manager’s release clause, worth €15 million, while Bayern Munich have also set their sights on the manager as they are set to part ways with Tuchel at the end of the campaign.

Thomas Tuchel

Tuchel is on Barcelona’s agenda. (Photo by MICHAELA STACHE/AFP via Getty Images)

Tuchel is one of the two Champions League winners on the list who has piqued Barcelona’s interest, especially considering he will be a free agent in the coming summer.

Bayern Munich and Tuchel reached an amicable decision to go their separate ways, which has given rise to the possibility of the 50-year-old manager taking over the Catalan giants.

In fact, the former Chelsea manager is reportedly a huge fan of Barcelona’s La Masia academy as well as the club’s fabled identity.

Julian Nagelsmann

While Naglesmann, the current German national team coach, is enduring a difficult patch with his team, he is regarded as an elite coach due to his past ventures. The youngest manager on the list his contract with Die Mannschaft expires after the Euros this year.

However, his appointment in Barcelona is unlikely because the Euro 2024 will conclude in mid-July and Nagelsmann will not be able to take over at Barcelona until then, which is considered a barrier.

Moreover, reports have previously argued that Barcelona would much rather choose someone with more experience and a track record to work with.