Two reasons Barcelona will be unable to sign 44-year-old Premier League manager as Xavi’s replacement

Barcelona have their work cut out for themselves during this summer transfer window as they try to chase down a new manager for their project. Xavi has already decided to leave the club at the end of the season, which came as a surprise for everyone involved.

As such, Barcelona have prepared a list of potential targets, starting with president Joan Laporta’s favourite, Hansi Flick. The treble-winning manager with Bayern Munich has recently been sacked as the coach of the German National Team, and could be on the move this summer.

Elsewhere, Barcelona were also targeting a move for Brighton & Hove Albion coach Roberto De Zerbi. The board appreciates his style and believe he aligns with their own philosophy perfectly.

However, a recent update from The Daily Briefing has revealed that a move for de Zerbi is pretty much impossible for Barcelona. This is because of two primary reasons.

1. Financial aspects

Roberto De Zerbi is contracted to Brighton till the summer of 2025, at least, and there is no way the South UK outfit will let him leave for anything less than the reported €10 million release clause in his contract.

Barcelona are in no condition to pay that much money for a player, let alone a manager, which makes it a huge stumbling block.

Not to mention, De Zerbi will likely be looking for a salary close or more than what Xavi was earning at the club, considering the huge step up from Brighton. And it seems Barcelona cannot afford that, either.

2. De Zerbi prefers the Premier League

The other reason is rather straightforward. The report suggests that the Italian boss has grown quite fond of the Premier League and is not looking for a move away.

He joined Brighton in the summer of 2022 after Chelsea activated the release clause for Graham Potter. He finished in 6th position last season, qualifying for the Europa League, where they ended up comfortably first in their group and into the Round of 16.

While Brighton may have hit some roadblocks this season, De Zerbi’s side still sit 9th in the table, only six points off top-six and one off a UEFA Conference League spot.