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Xavi names three players he would sign as Barcelona boss as he rates squad


Barcelona legend Xavi has named Neymar among the three players he would sign if he was to return to the club as manager.

Neymar has been linked with a switch back to his former club from PSG after a transfer failed to materialise last summer.

The Brazilian forward is expected to be at the centre of another transfer saga in the upcoming window as Barca look set to reignite their interest.

Speculation has suggested Xavi – who currently manages Qatari-based side Al-Sadd – could be at the helm by then.

And the 40-year-old gave SPORT a star-studded wishlist of players he would like to see on show at the Nou Camp.

Xavi feels Neymar would be a good addition to Barca's squad
Xavi feels Neymar would be a good addition to Barca’s squad

“I’d sign wingers, like Neymar,” Xavi said. “I don’t know if he’d fit in in terms of social reasons, but as a player I have no doubt he would be a spectacular signing.”

As well as his ex-teammate Neymar, Xavi has also been impressed with two players currently lighting up the Bundesliga.

“Barcelona already have players who can play inside, but lack wingers like Bayern have,” Xavi added.

Neymar has been linked with a return to the Nou Camp
Neymar has been linked with a return to the Nou Camp

“They don’t need a lot of new faces. [Borussia Dortmund’s] Jadon Sancho, [Bayern Munich’s] Serge Gnabry.”

Xavi feels those players would make a big difference to a Barca side already brimming with world-class talent.

He named Marc Andre Ter Stegen, Jordi Alba, Gerard Pique, Sergio Busquets and Lionel Messi as the best in the world in their respective positions.

Bayern winger Serge Gnabry was one of the other players mentioned
Bayern winger Serge Gnabry was one of the other players mentioned

Current Barca boss Quique Setien has so far answered any questions of him in the dugout, with the Spanish giants sitting top of La Liga.

He is under contract until June 2022, but Xavi has still left the door open to one day heading back to his old club.

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“I am clear that I want to return to Barcelona, I am very excited,” Xavi said in an interview with La Vanguardia.

“Maybe years ago I could give myself some respect, but now that I have seen myself coaching I think I can bring things to the players.

“But I made it clear to them that I saw myself in a project that started from zero, and in which the decision making was mine.”





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