Al Sadd will only let Xavi go from 3rd November

Barcelona are looking to find a replacement for Ronald Koeman. The Dutchman, after the loss to Rayo Vallecano, was sacked and the man chosen to replace him is Xavi Hernandez. 

Agents of the Catalan club travelled to Qatar to negotiate with Al Sadd, Xavi’s current club. That is where Barca have encountered a problem trying to sign him. 

‘Esport3’ reports that Al Sadd have asked Barcelona to take Xavi from after 3rd November. The Qataris do not want him to leave immediately as Barca want. 

The proposal has to do with the Qatari club’s calendar. That same day, they will face Al-Duhail. They are second in the league behind Al-Sadd. 

Added to that is the fact that they face Al Ahli on 30th October.  If Barcelona agree to Al Sadd’s request, Xavi Hernandez will not arrive immediately in the Catalan capital. He will have to wait several days. 

This would mean interim coach Sergi Barjuan would not only take charge of the game against Alaves, but also in the Champions League game against Dynamo Kiev. 

Xavi’s firsrt game on the Barca bench would be on 6th November against Celta Vigo. That is the match just before the international break.