Wednesday morning’s Catalan media was very confident on Xavi Hernandez to Barcelona being finalised soon.
Two officials from the club travelled to Doha to finalise the agreement with Al-Sadd, who would have to release the manager from his contract with them. There wasn’t thought to be a problem in the process, and it was even stated no compensation would be payable.
Instead there’s been talk of things like a friendly match between the two clubs.
The claims even stated the move could be finalised on Wednesday or Thursday, and yet now there appears to be a problem in the way for Barcelona.
Al-Sadd’s statement, direct from club CEO Turki Al-Ali, reads: ‘The club’s position is clear from the beginning – we are committed to keeping our coach Xavi with us and we cannot have him leave at this sensitive time of the season.’
Such a move would suggest the club haven’t been impressed with what they’ve heard from Barcelona. It was made clear early in this mini-saga that Al-Sadd expected the Catalan side to treat them as equals in any talks.
