Xavi's Barcelona Transfer Regret: Zubimendi Was Top Target
In a candid interview with La Vanguardia, former Barcelona manager Xavi has revealed he explicitly advised the club to sign Martin Zubimendi as a direct replacement for legendary midfielder Sergio Busquets. Xavi, who managed Barcelona from 2021 to 2024, stated that the club's financial constraints prevented the move, ultimately leading Zubimendi to join Arsenal in a deal worth approximately £60 million last year.
Zubimendi's Rise and Missed Opportunities
Martin Zubimendi, now 27, had long been touted as a future star for Real Madrid or Barcelona after establishing himself as one of Spain's finest central midfielders at Real Sociedad. In the summer of 2024, Liverpool emerged as frontrunners for his signature, but the deal fell through, and Zubimendi remained at Sociedad for another season. The following year, Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso, who had previously worked with Zubimendi, placed him at the top of his wishlist to fill the void left by Toni Kroos and Luka Modric. However, Madrid's reluctance to meet Sociedad's asking price opened the door for Arsenal to secure the Spain international.
Since joining Arsenal, Zubimendi has made 40 appearances across all competitions in an impressive debut season, helping the Gunners lead the Premier League and compete on multiple fronts for silverware. Barcelona, meanwhile, were largely seen as outsiders in the race for his signature before his move to North London.
Xavi's Frustrations with Barcelona's Management
Xavi used the interview to express his deep frustrations with Barcelona's leadership during his tenure. He explained that his decision to speak out now stems from a desire to set the record straight, claiming the club's narrative about his departure is "completely false." While acknowledging his own mistakes, Xavi emphasized that his expectations of the club diminished over time due to unmet promises in the transfer market.
"Sergio Busquets was leaving so I asked them to sign Zubimendi and they told me no for financial reasons," Xavi stated. He also highlighted the departures of key figures like Jordi Cruyff and Mateu Alemany as turning points, suggesting the team's decline began when club executives took over decision-making. Despite maintaining a good personal relationship with president Joan Laporta, Xavi felt let down, saying, "he ended up letting me down."
Revelations About Messi and Flick
Xavi further disclosed that he was desperate for Lionel Messi to return to Barcelona in 2023, following Argentina's World Cup victory. He claimed Messi was keen on a comeback and that LaLiga had given the green light, but negotiations stalled due to the president's actions. "It was a shame, but it's the fault of those who are there now," Xavi lamented, expressing belief that Messi could still thrive at Camp Nou.
Additionally, Xavi shared that his successor, Hansi Flick, visited his home to apologize after replacing him in 2024. Flick explained that the club had instructed him not to communicate with Xavi during the transition period. Xavi described Flick as "a good guy, very honourable," and noted they maintain regular contact, discussing football and team performances.
This interview sheds light on the internal challenges Xavi faced at Barcelona, underscoring missed transfer opportunities and management disputes that shaped his tenure and the club's recent trajectory.
