Xavi demands four signings from Laporta when he arrives at Barcelona

Even as talks of Xavi Hernandez’s imminent appointment as the manager of Barcelona continue to circulate, rumours of the players that he might want to add to his roster at Camp Nou are also starting to pick up the pace.

The 41-year-old is widely expected to be named the Barca manager, with reports even claiming that an announcement could be made this Thursday. Should that indeed be the case, the former Spanish international will take charge of his first game on November 20, against Espanyol.

As is the case with any manager coming into a club, Xavi would also want to bring in new players to build a squad in his own image. And, as per El Nacional, the ex-Barcelona midfielder has demanded the club make four signings for him.

The first name on Xavi’s wishlist is that of Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba. The 28-year-old is in the final year of his contract with the Red Devils and would be available on a free transfer at the end of the season. With a renewal not in sight at Old Trafford, he will start negotiations with foreign clubs over a pre-contract agreement in January.

A player that has been on Barca’s radars for years, the Frenchman is also courting interest from Real Madrid and PSG. However, the Catalans’ good relationship with his agent, Mino Raiola, can play a factor in negotiations.

Another client of Raiola, Erling Haaland, is also high on the list for Xavi and Barca. The 21-year-old has grown into one of the most lethal strikers in the game at Borussia Dortmund and has been scoring goals for fun over the past eighteen months. The Norwegian has a €75million termination clause that kicks in next year. But the wages, agent commissions and costs involved could make the move tricky for the Blaugrana.

The third name on Xavi’s shopping list, as per the report, is that of Dani Olmo. The Spaniard, a former Barcelona academy man, has been linked with a return to the club since the summer window and an operation could be launched to bring him back in January from RB Leipzig, at least on a loan before signing him permanently at the end of the season.

The final player that the 2010 FIFA World Cup winner has requested the Catalans to sign is Sevilla’s Jules Kounde. The 22-year-old has established himself as one of the best defenders in La Liga over the past couple of seasons and will not come cheap, given he has an €80million release clause. Moreover, Chelsea, Manchester United and Real Madrid are all keen on signing the Frenchman as well.