Hansi Flick most likely to replace Xavi at Barcelona as Laporta’s preferred option financially unviable – report

Barcelona remain undecided in their bid to find a replacement for coach Xavi Hernandez next season.

The club are certainly spoilt for options, with coaches like Julian Nagelsmann, Roberto De Zerbi, Hansi Flick and Thomas Tuchel likely to be available in the coming summer.

Barcelona had reportedly made a final shortlist of three coaches, which included Flick, De Zerbi, and Luis Enrique.

However, Enrique remains a tough nut to crack as the Spaniard had only joined PSG last summer, leaving Barcelona with Flick and De Zerbi to choose from.

Flick: likely candidate to replace Xavi

A recent report from Onze TV3 has offered a comprehensive update on Barcelona’s dilemma between De Zerbi and Flick.

The report adds that Flick has emerged as the most likely candidate to replace Xavi next season.

Even though Barcelona president Joan Laporta’s preferred option is De Zerbi, the Italian has a high release clause at Brighton, making him financially unviable.

Laporta prefers De Zerbi, but financially unviable. (Photo by Ben Roberts Photo/Getty Images)

Indeed, there is a €15 million buyout clause in the Italian’s agreement with the Premier League, which Barça do not intend to trigger.

Not to mention, there are some doubts within the Barcelona board over his lack of experience in managing a top club.

What makes Flick an appealing option for Barcelona

Hansi Flick, on the other hand, may not have much managerial experience. But he led Bayern to an iconic treble in 2020. He was also responsible for leading Bayern in the right direction after Niko Kovac’s pool spell at the club.

Flick has also managed the German national team, even though his spell with Die Mannschaft is largely regarded as a failure.

Barcelona, for their part, view Flick very highly and believe his relationship with Ilkay Gundogan and Robert Lewandowski could be a major advantage.

Not to mention, Flick is an excellent man-manager, who can motivate players and make a cohesive unit – something Barcelona desperately require after the big-name departures of Gerard Pique, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba and Lionel Messi over the past few years.