A year after leaving Barcelona, Xavi Hernández may be on the verge of returning to coaching — but this time, outside Europe. Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ahli, one of the most prominent clubs in the Kingdom, has the 45-year-old Spanish coach on its radar as they search for a new manager following the unexpected departure of their previous coach.
Although Xavi has repeatedly expressed his desire to remain within the European football system, the offer from the Middle East has reignited his professional interest. According to The Athletic, Xavi is one of the leading candidates to take over at the Saudi club. Alongside Ange Postecoglou, who was recently dismissed by Tottenham, most of the attention is currently focused on Xavi.
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The Catalan coach is no stranger to Arab football, having previously worked in the region as head coach of Qatari club Al-Sadd. His name is highly respected among top clubs in the Middle East.
While Xavi has not yet given his final approval, he has reportedly set several conditions for accepting the position. The most prominent of these, according to media reports from Madrid and Barcelona, is his desire to sign Fermín López — a young Barcelona talent and one of the standout discoveries during Xavi’s time at the club.
Fermín, who returned to Barcelona after a loan spell at Linares, has established himself with impressive performances and become a key member of the squad. At only 21 years old, he is seen as a vital part of both the club’s present and future, enjoying the full confidence of the management and coaching staff.
The relationship between Xavi and Fermín is described as excellent. Xavi was among the first to give the youngster a real opportunity at a time when few believed in him. The player has publicly expressed his gratitude, making the possibility of his move to Al-Ahli linked to a personal connection that goes beyond purely footballing considerations.
At present, Barcelona has no intention of letting Fermín López go. He is under contract until 2029, with a substantial release clause. The club insists that any team interested in signing him must pay at least €80 million — a figure that Al-Ahli could afford if they choose to fulfill their potential future coach’s request.
Ultimately, the situation remains unresolved. However, one thing is clear: Xavi has not forgotten Fermín and still sees him as a crucial part of any future project he leads.
