Barcelona agree contract renewal with Xavi until 2026 – report

After the challenging transfer window during which they completed some impressive operations, FC Barcelona have now turned their focus to tying down manager Xavi Hernandez to a new contract.

The 43-year-old’s current deal expires in 2024 and talks of a new contract have been doing rounds since the end of the last season.

Xavi’s renewal agreed and closed

And now Mari Carmen Torres of MARCA is reporting that Barcelona have agreed a new contract with Xavi until 2026 and the matter is as good as closed.

The Barcelona legend’s continuity had never been in question or debate, after all, he led the club to their first La Liga title since 2019 in his first full season in charge in 2022/23.

The 43-year-old also led the Blaugrana to the Spanish Super Cup triumph last season and is now gunning for greater success in the new campaign.

Talks over a new deal had already begun a few months back and as is the case with any negotiations, there were some hurdles such as the manager’s request for improved wages for his staff.

It must be noted that the former midfielder had paid out of his pocket to get his release from Al Sadd and had accepted a low salary when he joined Barcelona in 2021.

Improved contract for Xavi

Now, the report adds that despite there being some issues during negotiations, the main aim of both parties was always to extend their partnership.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta sees Xavi as the right person to lead the project and take the team back to the pinnacle of European football.

As such, an agreement is now in place with the manager receiving improved wages for himself and his staff.

There has been no date set to make an official announcement of Xavi’s new deal which will run for two years until 2026.

Since taking charge of the team in November 2021, Xavi has managed 94 matches, leading Barcelona to 59 wins (D16 L19).