Xavi looks set to leave Barcelona and join the Qatari club Al Sadd next season, according to reports in Spain.
The 35-year-old midfielder, who announced his international retirement last August, will sign a three-year deal worth a reported €10m (£7m) a season despite still having a year of his contract at Camp Nou still to run.
Last Friday, the Barcelona-based newspaper Mundo Deportivo first hinted at Xavi’s intention to move to Qatar, with AS claiming on Thursday that he will replace the former Real Madrid striker Raúl after he left Al Sadd to join New York Cosmos last year.
“Xavi has signed a three-year deal with the Qatari outfit with the option of a fourth season and will take an annual salary of €10m,” said the report. “The Barça playmaker will form part of the squad as well as undertake other duties, acting as an adviser to the Aspire Academy.”
Having played more than 750 games for Barcelona, Xavi is believed to have turned down offers to join a Major League Soccer club in favour of a move to the Middle East.
