Barcelona set sights on 39-year-old Portuguese manager as top choice to replace Xavi

With the search for a new manager at FC Barcelona underway, a number of candidates have emerged as possible replacements for Xavi Hernandez.

The likes of Hansi Flick, Roberto De Zerbi, and Thomas Tuchel have been heavily linked while reports earlier today claimed that club president Joan Laporta and director Deco wanted Luis Enrique back.

There have been passing links to the likes of Mikel Arteta and Jurgen Klopp, although both appear to be off the table now.

Ruben Amorim emerges as a target

Now, though, Miguel Delaney of The Independent is claiming that Barcelona have made Sporting CP manager Ruben Amorim as their top target to replace Xavi.

The 39-year-old has emerged as one of the most sought-after managers in Europe presently, behind Bayer Leverkusen head coach Xabi Alonso, who is being pursued by Bayern Munich and Liverpool.

While both Bayern and Liverpool are also looking at Amorim, Alonso is their preferred candidate.

On the other hand, the report claims Barcelona have put the Sporting CP manager ahead of other candidates, which would then give them an edge over their rivals, who are focusing on other targets.

Ruben Amorim on Barcelona’s radar. (Photo by Octavio Passos/Getty Images)

An unlikely possibility

This is not the first time that Amorim’s name has been linked with Barcelona as a potential candidate to replace Xavi.

There is no denying that the 39-year-old has done a sterling job at Sporting, even leading them to a league title in 2021.

However, a move from Barcelona to appoint Amorim as Xavi’s successor is extremely unlikely, for the Catalans are seeking someone with more experience and proven pedigree, something that Deco already pointed out when asked about his compatriot.

“I know that Amorim is doing a good job at Sporting and, in addition, he plays with a style similar to ours. But he also has very little experience,” said Deco in an interview last month.