Xavi's Requests After Confirming His Continuation at Barcelona

Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez has laid out his requests to the club's management following the decision to rescind his departure from the team at the end of this season. Initially announcing his departure earlier in the season, Xavi has now committed to stay until the end of his contract in 2025.

According to Spanish newspaper "Mundo Deportivo," Xavi's requests were not presented as conditions for his continuation, but rather as a desire for an honest discussion with President Joan Laporta and Sporting Director Deco about what he needs to fulfill his project. The emergence of several young talents like Fermin Lopez, Pau Cubarsi, and Lamin Yamal, along with the impressive performances of Robert Lewandowski and Ilkay Gundogan, have motivated Xavi to stay.

Xavi is adamant about retaining Uruguayan defender Ronald Araujo and avoiding a repeat of last summer's situation with Ousmane Dembélé, urging the club to resist any offers from Bayern Munich. Laporta is confident Araujo will stay, with positive signs from contract negotiations.

Moreover, Xavi aims to secure a deal for a top-tier star, with Manchester City's Bernardo Silva being a particular target, although the financial aspect poses a challenge that Barcelona will seek to overcome. Additionally, the team urgently requires a defensive midfielder to replace Sergio Busquets, with Xavi eyeing players like Joshua Kimmich from Bayern Munich, Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad, and Guido Rodriguez from Real Betis.