Barcelona have presented Xavi Hernandez as their new manager today – and he has talked up Newcastle United target Ousmane Dembele.
Barca sacked Ronald Koeman last month, and they have decided to bring Xavi back to the club.
A Barcelona legend in his playing days, Xavi has been cutting his coaching teeth with Al Sadd in Qatar.
Newcastle were keen to appoint Xavi according to Ian McGarry, but he has now made an emotional move back to the Camp Nou.
Xavi faced the press today, and he has been speaking about Newcastle United target Dembele.
Xavi backs Newcastle target Dembele
Newcastle have been linked with a ridiculous number of players since their takeover went through, and Barcelona star Dembele is one of them.
Foot Mercato reported last month that Barcelona think Dembele has offered himself to Newcastle.
The same news outlet suggested that Newcastle have held talks with Dembele’s entourage ahead of a 2022 deal.
Dembele is out of contract at the end of the season and could leave the Camp Nou for nothing after costing £135million in 2017.
Today, new Barca boss Xavi has spoken about Dembele, attempting to kill off Newcastle hopes in the process.
As quoted by Guillem Balague, Xavi suggested that Dembele’s contract is a priority for him.
Xavi noted that Dembele can be the best player in the world, and Barca may hope these comments keep the winger out of Newcastle’s clutches.
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