Xavi Hernandez - a legend of world football, a Spanish player who became one of the most influential and technically gifted players of his generation. He was born on January 25, 1980, in Terrassa, Spain, and displayed his football talent from a young age. Xavi became renowned for his outstanding passing skills and ball control. He possessed a unique ability to control the game on the field, distribute passes, and create attacks for his team.
He began his professional career in 1998, joining the youth team of Barcelona. Over time, he became an integral part of Barcelona's main squad and a product of the legendary La Masia academy. He spent 17 years at FC Barcelona, eventually becoming its captain and one of the main inspirations behind the "tiki-taka" style of play.
Xavi helped Barcelona win numerous domestic and international trophies, including 8 La Liga titles and 4 UEFA Champions League titles. He became the heart and soul of the team, and his on-field leadership was invaluable to Barcelona's success during that period. Xavi is also a key figure for the Spanish national team. With the national squad, he won the FIFA World Cup in 2010 and the UEFA European Championship in 2008 and 2012.
His intellectual approach to the game and his ability to create opportunities for his teammates made him an irreplaceable player for the national team. After leaving Barcelona in 2015, Xavi moved to Qatari club Al-Sadd, where he continued to showcase his skills and leadership. He helped the team win several national titles and became a symbol of football development in Qatar.
In addition to his playing career, Xavi has shown an interest in coaching. He has completed coaching courses and expressed a desire to one day manage his former team, Barcelona. Xavi Hernandez is not only a player of exceptional class but also a symbol of virtuosity, game reading ability, and leadership on the field. His style and contribution to world football will be remembered by generations of fans.
Manager Xavi Hernandez reportedly wants Barcelona to sign a new right-back and a creative midfielder ahead of the new season.
The Blaugrana have signed Ilkay Gundogan and Inigo Martinez on free transfers and spent €3.4 million to bring in Oriol Romeu this summer. Vitor Roque, 18, will cost Barca €40 million in transfer fee and will join the club in January. However, Xavi apparently wants to strengthen his team further. At right-back, the club have Sergino Dest and Sergi Roberto as their first-team options.
Dest has largely struggled at Barca and was allowed to join AC Milan on a season-long loan last summer. Roberto (31), meanwhile, is in the final year of his contract.
As per journalist Ferran Correas (h/t @ManagingBarca on Twitter), Ivan Fresneda is a reported target for the right-back position. According to Relevo, the 18-year-old Spaniard, who has a €20 million release clause, is willing to leave Real Valladolid for Barca.
For the creative midfield role, Bernardo Silva has been in the Blaugrana's radar for a while. The Manchester City superstar started his career as a right winger but has been moulded into a central midfielder under Pep Guardiola.
Silva's low centre of gravity, impeccable dribbling ability and passing skills make him one of the finest creators in the final third. He could be a brilliant link between midfield and attack for Barcelona — just like he has been for City.
Fabrizio Romano has said that Manchester City are willing to offer Bernardo Silva (28) a new contract to ward off interest from other clubs. Paris Saint-Germain are in hot pursuit of the player while Barcelona's interest is well known. Romano wrote for CaughtOffside:
Silva joined Manchester City from AS Monaco for €50 million six years
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