Barcelona appointing Xavi as their next manager after sacking Ronald Koeman would push reported Newcastle United transfer target Philippe Coutinho closer to the door, per Sport.
The Blaugrana are speaking with their club icon over potentially taking over the Camp Nou helm Koeman vacated on Wednesday. Barcelona fired the Dutchman after losing at Rayo Vallecano, leaving the club ninth in La Liga after 10 games.
Barca President Joan Laporta has since admitted he should ‘probably’ have fired Koeman sooner, via BBC Sport. While admitting talks with Xavi, but the 2010 World Cup winner’s return to Catalunya could spell the end for Coutinho’s.
Xavi will give several Barcelona stars Koeman excluded a new start, but Coutinho is unlikely to benefit from that kindness. The Brazilian is not one of the Spaniard’s favourites, as Xavi has many doubts over his work. Particularly, he questions the playmaker’s pressing ability.
If Coutinho does not show greater energy, Xavi is not afraid to freeze the former Liverpool star out. Barcelona’s £105m signing had struggled for minuets under Koeman this season, with just four starts in La Liga. He also has one goal and no assists after seven outings.
Newcastle land Coutinho transfer boost with Xavi returning to Barcelona
Newcastle, then, will land a boost in their transfer pursuit of Coutinho should Xavi return to Barcelona to replace Koeman. Sport also reported recently that the Magpies’ new Saudi-led owners are considering a move to sign the £380k-a-week midfielder.
Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund want to bring proven Premier League players to St James’ Park to help avoid relegation. Barcelona were not afraid to part with Coutinho this summer, either, but no side met their €50m (£42.5m) asking price.
Some Blaugrana supporters are also eager to see the back of the Brazilian, who Liverpool ace Roberto Firmino lauds considerably. He told FIFA.com last year: “He’s phenomenal. You simply can’t say that he’s not a magician. He has magical powers.
“He produces plays that don’t exist, that you couldn’t make up. You always have to watch replays of his plays to understand what he’s done. He’s an unbelievable player. It was a pleasure to play with him at Liverpool, and it’s a pleasure to play with him for the Selecao. I’m a huge fan of his. He’s one of the very best players in the world.”
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