In a revealing interview with La Vanguardia, former Barcelona manager Xavi has disclosed that he recommended the club sign Martin Zubimendi as a direct replacement for Sergio Busquets during his tenure. Xavi, who was dismissed in 2024, expressed frustration over Barcelona's failure to meet his transfer expectations, citing financial constraints as the reason for rejecting the move.
Zubimendi's Rise and Arsenal Move
Martin Zubimendi, a standout central midfielder for Real Sociedad, had long been linked with top Spanish clubs like Real Madrid and Barcelona. In 2024, Liverpool appeared close to securing his signature, but the deal fell through, leading Zubimendi to stay at Sociedad for another season. The following year, under then-Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso, Zubimendi was targeted to fill the void left by legends Toni Kroos and Luka Modric. However, Madrid's reluctance to meet Sociedad's asking price paved the way for Arsenal to sign the Spain international in a £60 million transfer.
Since joining Arsenal, Zubimendi has made over 40 appearances across all competitions, contributing to the Gunners' impressive debut season as they lead the Premier League and compete for multiple trophies. Despite a recent knee injury that forced him to withdraw from international duty, his impact has been significant.
Xavi's Frustrations and Barcelona's Decisions
Xavi elaborated on his disappointment with Barcelona's management, highlighting a decline in support after an initial successful period. "When I arrived from Qatar, I told the president that without certain signings, we couldn't compete at the highest level," Xavi stated. "We won La Liga and were competitive against Real Madrid, but the following summer, my expectations dropped."
He specifically pointed to the club's refusal to sign Zubimendi for financial reasons after Busquets' departure. Xavi also criticized the handling of key figures like Jordi Cruyff and Mateu Alemany, whose exits he believes weakened the team. "At that point, I should have left too," he admitted, noting that the team's performance declined once management took over decision-making.
Relationship with Laporta and Flick's Apology
Despite the tensions, Xavi maintained that he had a good personal relationship with Barcelona president Joan Laporta, crediting him for his initial appointment. However, he felt let down in the end. "He ended up letting me down," Xavi said, reflecting on the broken promises.
Xavi also shared details about his successor, Hansi Flick, who visited his home to apologize after replacing him. "He came to apologise when I asked if the club had been talking to him while I was still manager," Xavi explained. "We talked for over two hours, and I appreciate his honesty. He's a good guy, and I'm glad he's doing well."
Missed Opportunity with Lionel Messi
In the wide-ranging interview, Xavi revealed his efforts to bring Lionel Messi back to Barcelona in 2023, following Argentina's World Cup victory. "Leo was keen to come back, and we had the green light from LaLiga," Xavi said. "But the president delayed negotiations, and it fell through. I still believe he would have helped the team score goals and provide key passes. It's a shame, and it's the fault of those who are there now."
Xavi's candid remarks shed light on the internal challenges at Barcelona during his management, emphasizing missed transfer targets and managerial discord that impacted the club's trajectory.
