One of the names he is strongly considering is Roberto De Zerbi, the Italian who has impressed during his 18-month stint with Brighton.
De Zerbi is highly rated by the more sensible leadership at the Camp Nou and has the profile of the next coach they need to lead in the first team.
Barça’s sporting director is betting on a coach who already has experience in Europe and who combines youth, power and a winning mentality. De Zerbi certainly fits this profile.
The Italian is completing a season in the Premier League and his team is currently in 7th place in the table, in addition to qualifying for the round of 16 of the Europa League.
De Zerbi has a contract with his current club until 2026 and Brighton will renew his contract for a further year, as well as extending his repayment clause to £20m, which would double the current amount.
Despite this, Barcelona obviously identify him as one of the most productive features of the dugout, but he is not the only one. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is highly regarded, admittedly it would not be easy to convince him to leave.
Arteta represents Barça’s transparent taste, as he was a mentor as an assistant to Pep Guardiola and it is evident that he knows perfectly well what the ‘Barça DNA’ is.
Should neither De Zerbi nor Arteta agree to accept the job, Barca B coach Rafa Marquez, who has already said he would be very happy if given the chance, could simply update Xavi.
The board has no doubts about this and would not look to bring an external coach to the club to finish the season if Xavi leaves before June 30.
If the Mexican were to sit on the bench, it would be necessary to see how the team fares in his mandate. If they succeed, they may extend their stay, although their priority is to have an outside coach who suits their profile. .
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