Saudi Arabia Is Not in His Plans

It has almost become a market classic: when a team is left without a coach, Xavi Hernández’s name pops up as a candidate. It happened with Manchester United last season, with Bayer Leverkusen, and now with Al Ittihad of Saudi Arabia, who dismissed Laurent Blanc after losing to Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr.

However, the Saudi option is not among the preferences of the former Barça manager. There was initial contact with Ittihad’s board, but nothing went beyond that. Xavi has the luxury of choosing his next destination, and moving to Saudi Arabia does not appeal to him—even with the financial temptation involved.

Calm Amid the Wait

Since May 2024, when his time at FC Barcelona came to an end, Xavi has not returned to coaching. Still, the urgency does not seem to be on his side. The rumors are louder than the actual anxiety within his circle. His close entourage transmits calm, patience, and confidence that the right project will eventually come along.

In the meantime, the Spanish coach remains active, holding meetings with his staff to stay ready for the future. The priority is not to jump at the first offer but to carefully analyze which project best fits his vision and ambitions.

A Long-Term Project as the Goal

The market brings opportunities every week, some more serious than others. But what’s clear is that Xavi Hernández is looking for a medium- or long-term project, without giving himself away to the first option that arises. The goal is to build something solid, beyond a lucrative contract or a short-lived adventure.

Meanwhile, his life revolves around his family—his true refuge during this year off the sidelines—and maintaining the serenity needed to make the right decision. Saudi Arabia is out of the picture, but Xavi’s future remains an open question that could be resolved at any moment.