The rumors about Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta joining Barcelona are dead as the Barcelona legends penned down contract extensions with their respective clubs.
Xavi joining Barcelona as a manager has been a heated rumor over the past year, but it was Ronald Koeman who took charge of the Catalans this season, and with Xavi renewing his contract it seems it will stay the same.
Xavi has 757 appearances for Barcelona while also scoring 85 goals and assisting 184. He went to win eight La Liga titles and four Champions League. The Spaniard left Barcelona in 2015 and joined AL-Saad AC where he appeared 97 times scoring 24 goals and 28 assists.
He announced his retirement in 2019 and thereafter he became the Manager of Al-Sadd AC. His performance as a manager is commendable.
Iniesta has also been linked with Barcelona over the past few months. He was expected to return to Camp Nou for his retirement, but after his contract extension, it seems unlikely.
Iniesta has appeared 674 times for Barcelona while scoring 57 goals and 139 assists. During his time at Barcelona, he won nine La Liga titles and four Champions League. He left Camp Nou in 2018 and signed for Vissel Kobe.
Xavi and Iniesta not returning to Barcelona:
Xavi has renewed his contract with Al- Sadd until 2023 after a successful run as a manager this season. He led his side to win the Qatar Stars League while remaining unbeaten in the league this season.
With this contract extension, it is clear that Xavi is not interested in taking charge of his former club Barcelona. It is likely that Koeman will continue to be the manager of Catalans.
Xavi turned down the chance to coach the Catalans in January 2020 after Ernesto Valverde was sacked. He continued to be linked with the top job at Camp Nou, even after Ronald Koeman’s appointment.
Iniesta on the other hand has also renewed his contract with the Japanese club Vissel Kobe. He will be playing two more seasons for them before hanging his boots.
Iniesta announced his contract extension on his 37th birthday on Tuesday, while stating that he loves to play in Japan and it feels like home for him.
With these two players renewing their contract for their respective clubs it is clear that both the Barcelona legends are not returning to Camp Nou anytime soon.
